It Won't Happen That Quickly: Turkish Official

The ratification of Sweden's NATO membership by the Turkish parliament will not happen rapidly, as Ankara will wait for the United States to take steps regarding F-16 fighter jets. This is reported by a Turkish newspaper, citing its sources.

According to the publication's sources, Turkey will wait for the U.S. Congress's actions regarding the F-16 fighter jets in relation to the complete approval of Sweden's membership in the North Atlantic alliance.

Fuat Oktay, the chairman of Turkey's Foreign Relations Commission, emphasized in response to journalists' questions that this matter “will not pass quickly through the General Assembly phase.” The newspaper quotes the parliamentary official as saying, “It won't happen that quickly.”

Meanwhile, the Turkish parliament's International Affairs Committee had approved the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Sweden should join NATO soon, as this would contribute to strengthening the North Atlantic alliance.