Türkiye initiates NATO accession talks for Sweden's membership
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
The Turkish Parliament today, January 23, began the consideration of the protocol on Sweden's accession to NATO, according to NTV Haber.
"For the protocol to be adopted, an absolute majority of votes from the deputies participating in the General Assembly is required," the material states.
In the vote held on December 26 in the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, three parties voted "for" the protocol, while two other parties voted "against." One party did not participate in the voting.
"It is expected that the protocol will be brought to a vote in the nearest minutes," the material adds.
Sweden's accession to NATO
Sweden applied for NATO membership in 2022. For Stockholm to become part of the North Atlantic Alliance, all member countries must ratify its application.
In response to Ankara's requirements, Stockholm strengthened its anti-terrorism laws. At the end of November, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Türkiye would approve the application "within weeks."
It is worth noting that on January 1, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed confidence that Sweden would become part of the Alliance by July 2024.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban also invited the Prime Minister of Sweden to visit his country and hold talks on joining the NATO alliance.
