Finnish FM Haavisto says 'had good negotiations' with Turkey on Finland, Sweden's NATO bid

Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, who held a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, affirmed that Finland, Sweden and Turkey had good negotiations on NATO bids of Helsinki and Stockholm. While speaking at meeting in Washington, Haavisto said he had visited Turkey twice to settle dispute raised by Ankara regarding NATO membership application submitted by Finland and Sweden. He went on to say that, understandably, different issues may be raised by different allies along process, Finland has been in contact with Turkey to resolve all issues. 

"Turkey has raised questions in conjunction with Finland’s and Sweden’s membership applications. I have been visiting Turkey twice this spring – at different levels regarding our NATO membership bid," he said.  Furr, Finnish minister said that Helsinki has been taking every concern raised by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan "very seriously" and added that he believes both countries will furr eng in dialogue to sort out grievances.

"We wish to continue our constructive dialogue with allies and are ready to continue discussing outstanding issues with Turkey. We take every NATO member’s concerns seriously. With Turkey, we are w in an open, direct, and constructive dialogue process to clarify all issues. This is important," Haavisto added.

Meanwhile, Blinken said that Biden administration fully supports Finland and Sweden joining alliance, and added that he continues to be confident that both countries will soon be NATO Allies.  

Turkey blocks Finland and Sweden's NATO bid

It is pertinent to mention here that last week, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, accepted membership application of both Sweden and Finland amid fears of Russia's intention to harm rdic countries. However, Turkey, which had earlier warned of hindering plans of Sweden and Finland, blocked US-backed military alliance's initial process. While reacting to ir action against countries, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged NATO allies to respect and support Ankara's concerns about its security.

"We see that re is such attitude towards us," he said. Earlier, it was speculated that approval of first st of Finland and Sweden’s application would be completed within one or two weeks. However, Turkey's move has made it nearly "impossible".

(Im: @SecBlinken/Twitter/AP)