December 28, 2023
2 mins read

Turkey’s parliamentary panel gives nod to Sweden’s NATO bid

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom stated in a statement following the commission’s approval that Sweden welcomed the decision and looked forward to joining NATO…reports Asian Lite News

Sweden’s NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) membership application has been approved by the Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission, Al Jazeera reported.

The decision, made on Tuesday, is a critical step towards expanding the military alliance after 19 months of delays caused by Ankara’s demand for security concessions from Stockholm.

The panel, which is controlled by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), agreed to support Sweden’s petition last year, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The next step is a vote by the entire parliament, which the AK Party and its allies control. Sweden’s NATO membership is expected to pass, and the bill would then be sent to Erdogan, according to Al Jazeera.

If he signs it into law, he will bring an end to an almost two-year process that has irritated some of Ankara’s Western partners.

However, Commission Chairman Fuat Oktay downplayed hopes for a quick vote in the entire Grand National Assembly, telling reporters that the speaker will decide on the time of the vote. Parliament will also take a two-week break in early January, according to Al Jazeera.

“The decision to submit it to the general assembly has been made now, but this should not be interpreted as [a sign] that it will pass the general assembly with the same speed. There is no such thing,” said Oktay.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom stated in a statement following the commission’s approval that Sweden welcomed the decision and looked forward to joining NATO.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised the Turkish parliamentary commission’s decision as well.

Turkey confirmed Finland’s petition in April but held Sweden, hostage, until it takes additional steps to crack down on local members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey, the European Union, and the United States have designated as a terrorist organisation, reported Al Jazeera.

Sweden, as well as NATO allies Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands, took steps to ease Turkey’s arms export rules.

While NATO member Hungary has not confirmed Sweden’s membership, Turkey is viewed as the primary impediment to Sweden joining the military alliance and strengthening its fortifications in the Baltic Sea region. (ANI)

ALSO READ- Sigrid Kaag Named as Senior Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza

Previous Story

 Former Pak FM Alleges Torture Behind Bars

Next Story

‘Architect of EU’ Jacques Delors dies at 98

Latest from -Top News

Dubai tops global FinTech rankings

Dubai ranked among top four global FinTech hubs as DIFC drives innovation, investment, and talent growth, reaffirming the emirate’s role as a leading international financial centre. Dubai has been recognised as one

UAE leads BRICS digital trade push

UAE has showcased expertise in special economic zones at BRICS Dialogue 2025, highlighting strategic digital trade role, global connectivity, FDI growth, and partnerships with China and BRICS nations. The United Arab Emirates

Gulf powers inject $89m to stabilise Syria

Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledge $89 million to Syria, supporting public sector employees, essential services, and long-term recovery amid humanitarian crises and political transition….reports Asian Lite News Saudi Arabia and Qatar have

UAE hosts youth dialogue at UNGA80

UAE hosts Youth Dialogue at UNGA80, empowering global young leaders to shape climate, peace, digital equity, and education policies while strengthening inclusion in multilateral governance….reports Asian Lite News The UAE convened a

Abbas: Hamas has not future role in Gaza

PA President Mahmoud Abbas stated that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, calling for the release of all hostages and urging Hamas and other armed Gaza factions to disarm. Palestinian President
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Final NDRF team returns from Turkey

The Indian Government sent tons of relief material to both

Türkiye tourism survives quake

Türkiye forecasted to attract foreign tourists despite deadly quakes…. Writes