Dialogue With Finland-Sweden Does Not Live Up To Expectations, President Erdogan: They Are Neither Honest Nor Sincere

Presiden Erdogan. (Sumber: Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye)

JAKARTA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said talks with Finland and Sweden did not go as expected, due to the two countries' desire to join the North Atlantic Defense Pact (NATO), TRT Haber reported on Sunday.

Following Sunday's statement, President Erdoan also emphasized that Ankara cannot say 'yes' to countries supporting terrorism.

Turkey objected to Sweden and Finland joining the Western defense alliance, holding back a deal that would have allowed a historic expansion after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Erdogan's latest comments show his opposition continues.

"As long as Tayyip Erdogan is the head of the Republic of Turkey, we definitely cannot say 'yes' to countries that support terrorism entering NATO," he told reporters on his return from a trip to Azerbaijan.

Two sources previously told Reuters talks on Wednesday with the Finnish and Swedish delegates made little progress, although it was not clear when further discussions would take place. It is known that all 30 NATO members must agree to a plan to enlarge NATO, cited from Reuters, May 30.

Turkey opposed offers from Sweden and Finland on the grounds that these countries host people linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group and others it deems terrorists, and because they stopped arms exports to Ankara in 2019.

"They are neither honest nor sincere. We cannot repeat the mistakes made in the past regarding countries embracing and feeding such terrorists in NATO, which is a security organization," he said.

Meanwhile, Sweden and Finland said they condemned terrorism and welcomed the possibility of coordinating with Ankara.

"Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We refuse to comment further at this time," Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in emailed comments to Reuters following Erdogan's latest remarks.

On the same occasion, President Erdogan also said Turkey wants to end the war between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible, but the situation is becoming more and more negative every day.

"On Monday, I will have phone calls with Russia and Ukraine. We will continue to encourage the parties to operate channels of dialogue and diplomacy," he concluded.