NATO Chief for talking Turkey´s concerns for Finland´s membership

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday said that the allies of the military alliance are considering the next steps on way to Finland´s membership and he was maintaining close contact with Finland, Sweden and Turkey in this regard.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Sauli Niinistö after a meeting at Kultaranta summer residence of the President in Naantali, Stoltenberg underscored the need for addressing concerns raised by Turkey regarding terrorist group PKK.

“Allies are considering the next steps on your path to NATO. We have to address the security concerns of all Allies, including Turkish concerns about the terrorist group PKK,” said Stoltenberg at the press conference.

“So I remain in close contact with you, Sauli, and your colleagues, with Sweden, and with our Ally Türkiye on the way ahead. My staff also remain in close dialogue with officials from all three countries, to address the legitimate Turkish concerns, and to move forward on your accession to our Alliance,” said the NATO Chief.

Niinistö said that it is difficult to understand the reason behind pointing out Finland, although there is no major differences in the way Finland deals with Turkey´s issue regarding terrorist group compared to other existing NATO countries.

He, however, said that it is important to tell Turkey as much as possible about what Finland has already done in regard to its concerns.

“I do not see any major differences in the way Finland deals with Turkey´s terrorist issue, if you compare to other existing NATO countries,” said the president, adding,” So that makes us too difficult to understand that we are pointed out.”

Niinistö also said that he was surprised by Turkey's opposition to the bid, but it was important to listen to Ankara's views.

According to the President, Finland had received positive messages from Turkey regarding possible membership application months before the concrete decision.

Replying to a query regarding any progress with Turkey, Niinistö said that the progress is to keep the discussion process open and continue.

Stoltenberg emphasised that the security of Finland and Sweden matters to NATO, and that NATO remains vigilant, with increased presence in the region and more exercises.

He mentioned exercise BALTOPS, which is currently underway with over 7,000 forces from 14 NATO Allies, as well as from Finland and Sweden. Finnish and Swedish forces are also participating in NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise across the Baltic region and Poland.

Earlier on May 16, Finland and Sweden formally submitted their applications for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly said that Turkey will not allow Finland and Sweden to enter NATO.