NATO "Finland and Sweden accession... Confident of reaching consensus"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Mircea Geoan?, Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said on the 15th (local time) that he is "confident that consensus will be reached" regarding Turkey's obstruction of Finland and Sweden's attempts to join NATO.

According to foreign media, he told reporters at the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Berlin, Germany, that day, "Turkey is an important ally and raised concerns that are addressed between friends and allies." He emphasized, "If these countries (Finland and Sweden) decide to join NATO, I am confident that we will meet all the requirements for consensus and welcome them."

Finland and Sweden are expected to apply for NATO membership as early as next week. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an said to reporters in Istanbul on the 13th that he is "not positive about Finland and Sweden joining NATO." According to NATO regulations, the accession of new member countries requires unanimous approval from existing members. If Turkey, an existing member, maintains its opposition, Finland and Sweden's attempts to join could be thwarted.

Finland and Sweden have stated that they will engage in dialogue with Turkey through diplomatic channels. The Turkish Presidential Office said on the 14th that it "will not close the door" on Finland and Sweden's NATO membership.