The diplomatic relations between Sweden and Turkey have been put to the test since Sweden’s NATO application. Despite lengthy negotiations, Turkey says it is not ready to ratify Sweden’s NATO application. After a puppet representing President Erdogan dangled upside down from a lamppost outside the City Hall on Wednesday, relations have deteriorated further.
Anders Lidén is a former top diplomat and ambassador with extensive experience in negotiations and Swedish diplomacy in the world. He believes that the Swedish negotiators should be patient.
– Now it will be a little cooler for a while. But this is also a game, where you now put pressure on Sweden, he says.
Long-term relationships
According to the Swedish government, Sweden and Turkey have had diplomatic relations since the 1730s. Anders Lidén believes that the countries’ relationship has been relatively good historically, and that is something that the Swedish negotiators should pay attention to, says Lidén.
– They can remind the Turks that we helped them get closer to the EU, and that it was countries other than Sweden that put an end to that. Historically speaking, we have had a fairly good relationship with Turkey and it should be remembered that we want to continue to have it.
The hanging Erdogan doll provoked strong reactions from Turkey. Sweden’s ambassador in Ankara was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but what was said during the meeting is unclear.
– During such meetings, Sweden explains what we can do. It is important that the Turks understand that Sweden has laws and a view on freedom of expression that we cannot change. It’s just to continue and try to have a friendly and pleasant relationship and a good tone of conversation.
Anger in Turkey
In the Turkish media, the tone is high, the Swedish Speaker’s visit has been stopped and a criminal investigation has been launched. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has strongly condemned the action and says that he “understands Turkey’s anger”. Anders Lidén says that one should be careful when speaking in the media about the incident.
– You should have contact as usual and feel free to make unofficial contact with someone in charge, for example the Minister of Foreign Affairs. But you shouldn’t make this a big media thing.
Hear more about the diplomatic crisis in the video above.