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Stoltenberg says Sweden and Finland joined NATO thanks to agreements with Erdoğan
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Sweden and Finland's accession to the alliance happened thanks to negotiations and agreements reached with President Erdoğan. Speaking ahead of the summit in Ankara, Stoltenberg also highlighted Turkey's strategic importance for NATO.
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the decision for Sweden and Finland to join the alliance was taken thanks to the negotiations he conducted and the agreements reached with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In an assessment ahead of the NATO summit to be held in Ankara, Stoltenberg said his main expectation from the summit is for the alliance to send a message of unity.
Emphasis on support for Ukraine
Speaking about the alliance's agenda, Stoltenberg noted that conveying the message of continued support for Ukraine is extremely important. He stated that a credible deterrence would prevent miscalculations in Moscow or any other capital.
Stating that the most serious security challenge currently facing NATO is the ongoing war in Ukraine, Stoltenberg recalled that Russia has been conducting a military attack against its neighbour since February 24, 2022.
Turkey's strategic position
Touching on Turkey's contributions to the alliance, Stoltenberg said: "Turkey has been one of NATO's most important allies for many years. This stems from its geographic location neighbouring Iraq and Syria, its critical role in the fight against ISIS, and its strategic position close to Russia via the Black Sea."
Expressing his satisfaction with Ankara hosting the summit, Stoltenberg stressed that it will be an extremely important summit.
The greatest source of pride
Stoltenberg said that the decision he is most proud of throughout his tenure as secretary general, which ended in October 2024, was Finland and Sweden joining NATO, adding that the process was not easy as the two countries had pursued a policy of neutrality for centuries.
Finland officially became a NATO member in 2023, and Sweden in 2024.
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