Today: 13 May 2025
24 January 2023
1 min read

Turkey gets tough on Sweden, Finland over Quran burning

The trilateral meeting was slated to take place in February…reports Asian Lite News

Irked over Quran burning, Turkey has decided to push for stricter action against Sweden. Turkey has postponed a trilateral meeting with Sweden and Finland on their NATO bids following the burning of a copy of the Quran in Sweden, the state-run TRT network reported.

The meeting was slated to take place in February, the report said, citing anonymous Turkish diplomatic sources.

The decision came a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Sweden not to expect Turkey’s support on its NATO bid after Rasmus Paludan, the head of the Danish far-right political party Hard Line, burned a copy of the Quran on Saturday outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.

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

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

In 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: Sisi arrives in India for R-Day celebrations

Previous Story

Sisi arrives in India for R-Day celebrations

Next Story

Human trafficking moving deeper underground: UN

Latest from -Top News

Trump Begins Mideast Tour

The trip comes at a crucial time as US–Iran concluded the fourth round of indirect nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday….reports Asian Lite News U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia

Op Sindoor created a new ‘new normal’: Modi

Prime Minister stated that there was currently “nothing to discuss” with Pakistan, dismissing the idea of any resumption of diplomatic talks unless terrorism originating from Pakistani soil is completely dismantled In a

‘Dying of thirst’

Palestine Water Authority says Gaza is “dying of thirst” as water systems collapse. Gazans also reject U.S.-Israeli aid distribution plan, call for enhanced UN role The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) warned that

Rajasthan Returns to Dubai

This year, the Rajasthan Tourism Board set up their stand at ATM Dubai stage 2025—its first appearance in 15+ years. Under the stewardship of Additional Director Mr. Anand Tripathi, Department of Tourism,

UAE, Uganda forge closer ties 

President of Uganda received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed; both countries have deepened ties with strategic agreements in energy, investment and digital innovation  In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at expanding bilateral
Go toTop

Don't Miss

One killed as migrants trying to enter Greece through border river

A woman was killed by gunfire as migrants and refugees

UAE leads relief efforts in Turkey, Syria

The death toll has increased to more than 4,300 as