According to President Niinistö, the negotiations were close and strict. Niinistö said at the press conference that if no settlement had been reached, the same matters would have been discussed for a long time.
Turkey supports Finland’s NATO membership at the Madrid Summit, President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö said a moment ago at a news conference in Madrid.
Niinistö describes the negotiations between Finland, Sweden and Turkey as close and even strict. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg assisted negotiations lasted four hours on Tuesday.
According to Niinistö, finding a solution that satisfies all parties also required creative solutions. During the spring, however, Turkey has paid more attention to Sweden, Niinistö reminded.
– If we think about the agreement that has been reached from Finland’s point of view, we will not change our legislation as a result, Niinistö said, referring to Turkey’s demands.
Turkey has paid particular attention to issues related to terrorism. Niinistö emphasized that Finland takes Turkey’s concerns seriously. According to the President, it was these issues that were “rubbed in for quite some time” in the negotiations. The issue had already been addressed at official level before the Madrid NATO meeting.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also raised Turkey’s terrorist concerns at his own briefing shortly after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
According to media reports, Turkey is satisfied with the agreement between the countries, reports the news agency AFP.
According to Niinistö, Finland has no unresolved extradition issues. According to Niinistö, the signed document describes the principles for donations, but does not list individuals.
Applications from Finland and Sweden can proceed in the coming days
Finland is next waiting for a statement from the current NATO countries and will receive an official invitation to become a member of NATO, President Niinistö reiterated the application process at the press conference.
Niinistö believes that all parties will strive to act as quickly as possible.
– All the promises, including the informal promise of the Turkish delegation, have predicted that the member states will act promptly, Niinistö said.
According to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, the applications of Finland and Sweden will be progressing tomorrow, the news agency Reuters.
Earlier on Tuesday evening, the Office of the President of the Republic (TPK) issued a statement by President Niinistö confirming the matter. The statement was published shortly after talks between the leaders of Finland, Sweden and Turkey. You can read the statement in full here (go to another service).
– Our Memorandum of Understanding emphasizes that Finland, Sweden and Turkey undertake to give each other full support against each other’s security threats. As we become NATO allies, this commitment will be further strengthened, the statement said.