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Türkiye: Terror propaganda still ongoing in Sweden and Finland

Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO in May, but Türkiye voiced objections to their bids, accusing the two Nordic countries of tolerating and even supporting terrorist groups.

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Türkiye does not have a problem with NATO's open door policy, but the country's sensitivities should be respected, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says.

Türkiye expects Sweden and Finland to take "concrete steps" to become NATO members as terror propaganda in these countries is still ongoing, the national defence minister has said.

"We are closely following the situation in Sweden and Finland. Unfortunately, we still see some provocative actions and images in these countries. We expect both Sweden and Finland to take concrete steps," Hulusi Akar told reporters on Tuesday.

Akar's remarks came ahead of his meeting with Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen on Thursday. During talks in the capital Ankara, Akar and Kaikkonen will discuss bilateral defence and security issues, as well as Finland's NATO membership process.

Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO in May, abandoning decades of military non-alignment, a decision spurred by Russia's war against Ukraine.

But Türkiye – a NATO member for more than 70 years – voiced objections to their membership bids, accusing the two countries of tolerating and even supporting terrorist groups.

Legitimate security concerns

Türkiye and the two Nordic countries signed a memorandum in June at a NATO summit to address Ankara's legitimate security concerns, paving the way for their eventual membership in the alliance.

"There are commitments signed by Sweden and Finland ... they must be fulfilled ... the memorandum is a beginning, not an end. After these are done, the Turkish parliament will make its decision. We are also trying to help Sweden and Finland," Akar added.

Türkiye does not have a problem with NATO's open door policy, but the country's sensitivities should be respected, he stressed.

"Terrorism is one of NATO's biggest areas of struggle. Terrorism is a serious problem for all countries right now. Türkiye is the only country fighting more than one terrorist organisation. This needs to be seen and the awareness of what we do on this issue needs to be increased," Akar added.

SOURCE: AA