Turkey Could Begin Ratification Process for Finland's NATO Membership: Erdogan

Turkey is ready to start the ratification process for Finland's NATO membership. This statement was made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following negotiations with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto, which focused on the country's entry into the North Atlantic Alliance.

“Finland has taken concrete steps to fulfill the conditions of the memorandum necessary to join the alliance. We are ready and have decided to begin the ratification process for Finland's NATO membership. We are confident that Finland will play an active role in ensuring the security of the alliance,” emphasized the Turkish leader.

It is also known that Ankara may hold a vote on Finland's membership ratification before May 14 (ahead of the presidential elections). Erdogan expressed confidence that the issue of the country's accession to the alliance would be resolved by that date. Regarding Sweden, he added that its membership will depend on Stockholm's actions.

After the Quran burning incident in Stockholm, Erdogan announced that Sweden should not expect support from Ankara on the issue of NATO membership.