Turkish support for Sweden’s NATO bid

ISTANBUL: On Tuesday, the Turkish parliament passed a bill allowing Sweden to join NATO, advancing the Nordic nation’s membership in the military alliance and ending a diplomatic impasse that had damaged Turkey’s ties with the US and impeded Western attempts to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine.

After a vote of 287 in favor and 55 against, four members of the 600-member assembly abstained.
Once it is published in the nation’s official gazette, which is often a quick formality, it will take effect. As a result, Hungary would be the sole member of NATO without support for Sweden’s membership, denying the organization the necessary majority to admit a new member.
The passing of the bill is a significant milestone for NATO, opening the door to increasing its deterrent against Russia at a time when some of its members are finding it difficult to provide Ukraine adequate weapons to repel Russia’s invasion. With Sweden’s entry, the alliance would now be able to conduct military operations throughout a large portion of the Nordic region and would also automatically defend Sweden in the event of an attack.
According to Reuters, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his approval of the Turkiye news in a statement late on Tuesday. However, he said, “I also count on Hungary to complete its national ratification as soon as possible.” “Sweden has fulfilled its commitments,” he went on. With Sweden in NATO, we are all safer and the alliance is strengthened.”
A former assistant secretary-general of NATO, Camille Grand, said that “being a full-fledged ally means that if Sweden is under pressure or attack, there is no debate over whether Nato would defend it.” “As we see very clearly with Ukraine, you can be the closest Nato partner, but if you’re not an ally, the debate is different.”
Even after the vote on Tuesday, Sweden’s quick admission is not certain. Turkiye may postpone officially approving the union, and it is uncertain when Hungary’s parliament, which is on break until February 15, would provide its consent.
On the social media site X, Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, expressed his appreciation for the “positive” events in Turkiye, adding, “Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban asked Sweden’s PM to visit Hungary on Tuesday in order to “negotiate” Sweden’s admission, implying that Hungary would ask for concessions in return for Sweden’s backing. In a letter to the PM, Orban said, “I am convinced that strong mutual trust must be the foundation of any political and security arrangements between Sweden and Hungary.” According to Swedish news agency TT, Sweden’s foreign minister Tobias Billstrom replied that he saw “no reason to negotiate” but that the two nations might “have a dialogue and continue to discuss questions.”