Today: 31 August 2025
27 January 2023
1 min read

NATO talks with Sweden, Finland ‘meaningless’: Turkey

Turkey has postponed a trilateral meeting with Sweden and Finland on their NATO bids slated for February following the burning of a copy of the Quran in Stockholm…reports Asian Lite News

It is “meaningless” to hold a trilateral meeting with Sweden and Finland to discuss their NATO accession process after recent protests in Stockholm, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said.

“In this environment, a trilateral meeting is meaningless. It has been postponed because the current environment will overshadow this,” Cavusoglu explained at a joint press conference with visiting Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Sweden has to decide. Does it want to join NATO or not? One of the aims of these incidents is to prevent Sweden from joining NATO,” the Turkish minister said, referring to recent protests in the Nordic country, which involves burning of Quran and demonstrations by the supporters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) outlawed by Turkey.

He warned the incident was a “racist attack that has nothing to do with freedom of thought”.

Turkey has postponed a trilateral meeting with Sweden and Finland on their NATO bids slated for February following the burning of a copy of the Quran in Stockholm.

Sweden and Finland submitted their formal requests to join NATO in May 2022, which were initially objected by Turkey, a NATO member, citing their support for anti-Turkish Kurdish organisations and political dissidents.

A month later, Turkey, Sweden and Finland reached a memorandum of understanding (MoU) ahead of the NATO summit held in Madrid.

Under the MoU, Ankara agreed to lift its veto on the NATO bids by Finland and Sweden, which in return pledged to support Turkey’s fight against terrorism and address its “pending deportation or extradition requests of terror suspects expeditiously and thoroughly.”

The Turkish parliament has not ratified the Nordic countries’ NATO bids so far, citing that they have yet to meet Turkey’s requests.

ALSO READ: Arab League, Egypt slam Israeli raid in West Bank

Previous Story

Arab League, Egypt slam Israeli raid in West Bank

Next Story

India-Egypt: Robust ties with a strong foundation

Latest from -Top News

UAE champions global water cooperation at Stockholm

The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing global water security through active participation in the 35th World Water Week in Stockholm…reports Asian Lite News The UAE emphasised that water

Egypt, UAE forge strong Arab unity

The Prime Minister emphasised that continued consultation and coordination between Cairo and Abu Dhabi are central to dealing with issues of common concern…reports Asian Lite News Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli has

Dubai Airshow to unveil flying future

Dubai Airshow 2025 will redefine the future of flight, showcasing eVTOLs, vertiports, and global innovations as the UAE cements itself as a leader in advanced air mobility….reports Asian Lite News Dubai is

Culture, careers and courage define Emirati women

The forum drew nearly 700 participants, including senior officials, government executives, academics and business leaders….reports Asian Lite News The Emirati Women’s Forum, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint

Power women take centre stage in Dubai

The forum marked the tenth anniversary of Emirati Women’s Day…reports Asian Lite News The Emirati Women’s Forum brought together leading voices from government, diplomacy, business, innovation, and youth to celebrate the achievements
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Diplomatic flurry to avert Russia-NATO clash over Ukraine

Officials have said the Kremlin has assembled 110,000 troops along

NATO chief rules out troop deployment to Ukraine

NATO has the strongest alliance in the world and the