Erdoğan, Macron discuss NATO bids of Sweden, Finland

The Turkish and French presidents on Thursday discussed Sweden and Finland's bids to join NATO, Turkiye's Communication Directorate said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke over the phone today (May 26) with President Emmanuel Macron of France about the NATO membership bids of Sweden and Finland, according to a statement by the Presidency Communications Directorate.

The two leaders also discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the statement.

Erdoğan said that Ankara will continue to encourage dialogue and diplomacy between the warring countries, the statement noted.

Sweden and Finland formally applied to join NATO on May 18. However, Turkey has objected to their membership, accusing the two countries of supporting "terrorism."

Yesterday, a delegation headed by Presidential Spokesperson İbrahm Kalın hosted delegations from Sweden and Finland in Ankara to discuss the issue.

Kalın said there will be no progress unless Turkey sees "concrete steps" are taken regarding its demands. (VK)