Erdogan Reveals Latest Developments on Sweden's NATO Membership

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated today, Tuesday, that "positive developments regarding the sale of F-16 fighter jets from the United States to Ankara and the arms embargo imposed by Canada will help the Turkish parliament move towards ratifying Sweden's NATO membership bid." In a statement released by the Turkish presidential office, Erdogan told reporters on his return flight from Hungary: "The positive developments we expect regarding (the purchase of) American F-16s and Canada's promises (to lift the arms embargo) will help our parliament take a positive approach towards Sweden... All these matters are interconnected." Erdogan mentioned that he "discussed Sweden's NATO membership with U.S. President Joe Biden during a phone call last week." He added: "In the call, Mr. Biden said: Pass this (Sweden's membership bid) in parliament and I will get approval from Congress" for the sale of F-16s.