Turkey likely to announce ratification of Finland´s NATO bid on Friday

Turkey is expected to make its announcement to ratify Finland´s NATO accession protocol on Friday in presence of President Sauli Niinistö during his visit to the country.

The President made his comment to Finnish media on Wednesday to disclose the reason behind his two-day visit to Turkey beginning on Thursday, said the President Office in a statement.

“It was known that once President Erdoğan has for his part made the decision concerning the ratification of Finland’s NATO membership, he would wish to meet and fulfill his promise directly from President to President. The Turks have hoped that I be present when they announce this decision. Of course, I accepted the invitation and I will be there to receive his expression of will,” said Niinistö.

“We have been in close contact with the presidential administration of Türkiye since last spring. Over the past few days, contacts have been even closer,” he added.

He said that there has been much talk about Turkey’s views over the year.

“We have been interacting with the presidential administration of Türkiye all along, because it is the views of the President of Türkiye that are crucial at this stage of decision-making,” Niinistö said.

The President also pointed out very contacts with Sweden at all times and assured to continue his work to support Sweden’s NATO membership.

“Our contacts with Sweden have also been very close at all times, and even closer over the past few days. I have discussed this with the Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson. His press conference yesterday (Tuesday) also referred in part to that contact. It is very important for Finland that both Finland and Sweden become members of NATO as soon as possible. I will continue my work to support Sweden’s NATO membership,” Niinistö added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey will "honor its pledge" on Finland's NATO bid after his scheduled meeting with the Finnish president later this week, reported Xinhua.

"We will run the necessary procedures. We will do our part and keep our promise. We will meet Mr. President and fulfill the promise we made," Erdogan told reporters at the parliament.

On Wednesday morning, Finnish President Office in a press release said that President Sauli Niinistö will make a working visit to Turkey from March 16 to March 17.