The Swedish government will present to the parliament a bill on joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in March.
This is the content announced by Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom on February 15 in his speech on the government’s foreign policy priorities for 2023.
However, the time when Sweden can be accepted by NATO currently depends on the decision of NATO member countries, Turkey and Hungary.
Also on February 15, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on Turkey to accept Finland and Sweden’s accession military alliance This.
Speaking to reporters, Stoltenberg said he had urged Turkey to accept both Nordic countries joining NATO. However, he also acknowledged that the final decision still lies with Ankara.
Similarly, Finnish Defense Minister Mikko Savola on February 15 also said that it would be better for all NATO countries if Stockholm and Helsinki joined the alliance at the same time.
Speaking before a meeting with officials from NATO countries and Sweden in Brussels (Belgium), Minister Savola expressed that it would be better for Finland, better for Sweden and also for NATO if both countries become members as soon as possible.
The planning will be more favorable in the context that Finland always maintains contact with Sweden – Helsinki’s close partner.
[Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ không phê chuẩn tư cách NATO của Phần Lan, Thụy Điển]
In 2022, Sweden and Finland apply to join NATO but the joining process is currently on hold.
Finland and Sweden’s applications for accession need to be ratified by all existing NATO members, but Turkey and Hungary have so far not.
Ankara wants Stockholm to take a tougher stance on The Kurdistan Workers’ Force (PKK), which Ankara lists as a terrorist organization.
Meanwhile, the Hungarian Parliament has not yet discussed approving the reception of Nordic countries.
Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled that Ankara could agree to let Finland join NATO before Sweden, amid rising tensions with Stockholm.
Le Anh (VNA/Vietnam+)