A+ A-

US welcomes Turkish approval of Finland's NATO membership

WASHINGTON, March 17 (KUNA) -- The United States welcomed Friday President Erdogan's announcement that he will send Finland's NATO accession protocols to the Turkish Parliament and looks forward to the prompt conclusion of that process.
"We encourage Turkiye to quickly ratify Sweden's accession protocols as well," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement published by the White House.
"In addition, we urge Hungary to conclude its ratification process for both Finland and Sweden without delay," he stated.
He stressed that Sweden and Finland are both "strong, capable partners that share NATO's values and will strengthen the Alliance and contribute to European security".
The United States believes that both countries should become members of NATO as soon as possible, he noted.
Earlier in the day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his country's approval of Finland's NATO membership. (end) rsr.hm