NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says at a press conference that Sweden and Turkey have reached an agreement.
– Erdogan has been clear that Turkey is ready to ratify Sweden, he says.
President Erdogan must submit the documents to the parliament as soon as possible, says Stoltenberg during the historic press conference in Vilnius.
– This is a historic step for us. Sweden becoming a member will make NATO stronger and safer.
Ulf Kristersson held a press conference shortly after Stoltenberg.
– It has been a good day for Sweden. Now the rest of this NATO meeting awaits, with all the content that is also important, he says.
American President Joe Biden is delighted by the news.
– I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kristersson and Sweden as our 32nd NATO ally, announces he in a statement.
“Negotiated around NATO’s terrorism issues”
The settlement was able to come about after Sweden’s changed terrorism legislation, Stoltenberg said during his press conference.
– As part of the process of meeting Turkey’s demands, Sweden has changed its law and strengthened measures against terrorism.
NATO will also work more against terrorism, according to the settlement, reports TV4’s correspondent in Vilnius, Ritva Rönnberg:
– We have heard that what made Turkey agree to Sweden becoming a member is that they have negotiated around NATO’s terrorism issues. NATO will have a specially sent dedicated person to work against terrorism, she says.
But there still remains a Hungarian yes, something a journalist asked a question about during Stoltenberg’s press conference.
– Hungary has made it clear that they will not be the last to ratify, and now that Turkey has made it clear that they will do it, and they are the only two that have not, I think that problem will be solved, says Stoltenberg .
During July 11 and 12, the NATO summit is taking place in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, and the meeting was seen as a type of “deadline” for a Turkish yes to Sweden in NATO.
Seen as success in Turkey
After the announcement on Monday evening, the Turkish media have also reported on it – several, mainly government-loyal media, highlight Erdogan’s great success in the negotiations.
For example, government loyalist TRT Haber highlights that Turkey has gotten what it wants and that Sweden will actively support Turkey’s EU application.
Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson said during his press conference:
– We also discussed Turkey’s relationship with the EU as a whole.
Erdogan’s unexpected EU move
Before the meeting with Kristersson on Monday, Erdogan made a completely new move:
– Open the way for Turkey’s membership in the European Union and then we will open it for Sweden, he says in a televised appearance before tomorrow’s summit.