Stoltenberg reiterated that Sweden had fulfilled the specified conditions and expressed optimism about a positive decision on Sweden's pending NATO membership at the ongoing summit in Lithuania.

“I support Türkiye's ambition to become a member of the European Union,” Stoltenberg said in a press conference. “But of course, the accession process is for Türkiye and the EU to decide.”

The White House also issued a statement on Monday reaffirming the United States' longstanding and ongoing support for Turkey's EU membership aspirations. However, the White House emphasized that Turkey's accession process to the EU is a matter to be resolved between Turkey and the EU, and stated that the United States' focus is on Sweden's NATO membership.

“The United States supports the expansion of NATO and believes that Sweden and Finland would make valuable additions to the Alliance,” the White House statement said. “We are confident that the NATO accession process for Sweden and Finland will be successful.”

The statements from Stoltenberg and the White House come as Türkiye has been blocking Sweden's NATO membership bid, citing concerns about Sweden's support for the groups that Ankara considers to be terrorist organizations.

However, Stoltenberg said on Monday that he was “confident” that a solution could be found to the impasse and that Sweden would eventually be able to join NATO.

“I am confident that we will find a way to address the concerns that Türkiye has raised,” Stoltenberg said. “And I am confident that we will be able to welcome Sweden and Finland into NATO.” (ILKHA)