NATO statement on Turkey: No NATO ally has suffered as much from terrorist attacks as Turkey

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a joint press conference held after his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

Stating that they discussed Sweden's NATO accession process, Stoltenberg recalled that he had spoken with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by phone over the weekend and said, "I welcome President Erdoğan's submission of the accession protocol to the TBMM yesterday."

''CONTINUED ARMS EXPORTS''

Stoltenberg said, "Sweden has fulfilled its commitments. Sweden has amended its constitution, changed its laws, expanded its counter-terrorism cooperation, and continued its arms exports to Turkey."

Recalling that NATO has also updated its action plan to renew its counter-terrorism commitments and that he has appointed the first-ever special coordinator for counter-terrorism within NATO, Stoltenberg continued:

"No NATO ally has suffered as much from terrorist attacks as Turkey. I am pleased that we have been able to address Turkey's legitimate security concerns in a way that can advance Sweden's membership. I look forward to welcoming Sweden as a full member of NATO in the very near future."

Stoltenberg stated that Sweden possesses high military capabilities and that its accession will make NATO stronger, adding, "Sweden is ready to join NATO. The time has come. Following the submission of the ratification documents (to the TBMM), I believe it will be quickly ratified by the TBMM."

HUNGARY

When reminded during the press conference that Hungary has not yet given its approval, Stoltenberg said, "Hungary has stated many times that they will not be the last country to ratify Sweden's membership. Since there are currently two countries that have not yet ratified it, I do not think Hungary will delay this process."

CRITICISM OF IRAN AND HEZBOLLAH

Stoltenberg said that he and Kristersson also discussed developments in the Middle East, stating that Israel has the right to defend itself within the framework of international law following the attacks by Hamas.

Emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians, Stoltenberg said, "I welcome the efforts made to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Stoltenberg also stated that Iran and Hezbollah should not attempt to take advantage of the Israel-Palestine conflict.