The call addressed the application of Sweden and Finland for NATO membership, the Turkish Presidency said in a statement.

Stating that Türkiye sincerely supported NATO’s open-door policy, Erdoğan said that the issue concerning Sweden and Finland’s bid for membership, however, was related to these countries’ attitude towards Türkiye’s vital and national security interests.

Erdoğan noted that Türkiye could not have a positive view on Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership so long as these countries did not show that they would be in solidarity with Türkiye concerning fundamental issues, combatting terrorism in particular.

For his part, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said that Türkiye’s security concerns should be addressed. (ILKHA)