Stoltenberg believes that Sweden is ready to join NATO

Sweden has taken concrete steps by amending its constitution, lifting the arms embargo, and strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Having fulfilled these conditions, it is ready to join NATO.

The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this after a meeting with the Turkish President in Istanbul, Ukrinform reports citing CNN Türk.

"Sweden has taken significant and concrete steps. It wants to meet Turkey halfway. This applies, in particular, to changing the Swedish constitution, lifting the arms embargo and strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism, in particular the PKK. In recent days, significant changes to the law on counterterrorism have come into force. Thus, Sweden has fulfilled its obligations," Stoltenberg said.

It was also agreed in Istanbul that the next meeting of the Permanent Joint Mechanism will be held again on June 12.

"NATO membership will make Sweden stronger, as well as NATO and Turkey. That is why I would like to see Sweden's accession to NATO completed as soon as possible... I think the time has come. As you know, Finland became a member of the alliance. On the other hand, Sweden is much closer to NATO," the Secretary General said.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 05/06/2023