Statement from Fuat Oktay regarding Sweden's NATO membership
Speaking to US media, Chairman of the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and AKP member Fuat Oktay stated, "We are in no rush for Sweden's membership."
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Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey's Foreign Affairs Committee and AKP Ankara Deputy Fuat Oktay made statements to Bloomberg, one of the leading US media outlets.
Oktay also spoke about the ongoing negotiations regarding Sweden's NATO membership.
As reported by Sözcü, Oktay said, "Of course, we are in no rush; we have our own priorities." Stating that they are not in a hurry to approve Sweden's NATO membership and that there is a possibility the matter will not be discussed until the beginning of 2024, Oktay also expressed that the US should abandon making this membership process a prerequisite for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara.
While Oktay said that both processes could move forward together, he stated, "There are issues that some NATO members associate with the Sweden issue, for example, the F-16 issue." He added, "If that is the case, then let us conduct both simultaneously."
Before Sweden's membership is voted on in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, it must be approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.