Turkey's parliament approved Sweden's membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) on the 23rd.
Among NATO member states, Turkey and Hungary had not yet been recognized, but this represents a significant step toward Sweden's membership.
Finland and neighboring Sweden, which share a border with Russia, applied to join NATO in May of last year following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
Of these, Finland became a member in April last year, but Turkey and Hungary had not yet approved Sweden.
In particular, Turkey has long stalled efforts to recognize Sweden, alleging that Sweden is supporting members of Kurdish armed groups seeking independence from Turkey.
The Turkish government has taken a positive stance as countermeasures have been taken, and a debate was held in the Turkish parliament on the 23rd.
Members of the ruling party in attendance said, ``Sweden's membership is in Turkey's interests,'' and a vote was then taken, with a majority voting to approve Sweden's membership in NATO.
This is a significant step toward membership.
The remaining country, Hungary, has also expressed its intention to negotiate with the Swedish side.
On the other hand, Russia, which strongly opposes NATO expansion, is expected to push back.
On the 23rd, Sweden's Prime Minister's Office posted on social media, ``Today we took one step closer to becoming a member of NATO.We take positively that the Turkish parliament has supported Sweden's membership in NATO,'' and stated that Sweden is firmly in favor of joining NATO. We welcomed Turkey's recognition, which has shown a positive attitude.