- Turkey’s President Erdogan has agreed to approve Sweden’s NATO bid after closed-door
negotiations with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf
Kristersson
● The Biden Administration greatly appreciated President Erdogan’s decision while hinting
at the possibilities of arms agreements with Turkey while supporting Turkey’s position
for the European Union.
● President Erdogan’s decision to approve Sweden might create possibilities for opening a
new page for the strained US-Turkey relations in the future.
After months of busy negotiations and active diplomacy, President Erdogan decided to approve
Sweden’s NATO membership process. The decision was announced by NATO Chief Jens
Stoltenberg just before the beginning of the Vilnius summit where NATO leaders met to discuss
critical economic and security issues facing the alliance. Indeed, President Erdogan’s decision to
approve Sweden’s NATO bid will carry significant and crucial implications for both Turkey and
the broader geopolitical environment, particularly in terms of stronger US-Turkey relations that
could foster through the creation of resilient and transparent channels of dialogue.
Firstly, it could be examined that senior officials from the Biden administration along with
President Biden himself had expressed a great appreciation for President Erdogan’s decision
while acknowledging the importance of US-Turkey relations especially in terms of security
cooperation. Expanding the North Atlantic Alliance was one of the most important objectives of
President Biden’s grand foreign policy agenda, especially after the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Therefore, Turkey’s willingness to find a common ground that ensures the expansion of the
alliance will most definitely affect and carry US-Turkey relations in a positive direction.
Only a few hours after Turkey’s approval, the White House announced that it will move forward
with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets in consultation with the United States Congress.
Furthermore, there is an evident increase in dialogue between the two countries after Turkey’s
approval of Sweden. In recent years, Turkey’s relationship with the West has been problematic
due to various factors. However, it could be argued that Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO
membership and its cooperation with the United States could create chances for strengthening
bilateral relationships.
Additionally, Turkey’s willingness to foster cooperation with the Western world could also be
examined by President Erdogan’s recent comments regarding Turkey’s involvement within the
European Union. The Biden administration had expressed their support for Turkey’s position
regarding its aspirations for joining the European Union. Turkey’s EU accession process has
been a controversial issue with different challenges and disagreements which have caused the
process to fade off in recent years. However, Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s NATO bid might
create a platform for a healthier dialogue between Turkey and the EU. The United States, as a
key ally, can play a critical role in advocating for Turkey’s aspirations and supporting Turkey’s
EU membership process. However, the EU will most likely not approve of Turkey’s membership
in the near future for their criticisms of human rights abuses in Turkey.
Recent events suggest that Turkey had demonstrated a willingness to cooperate within the
framework of NATO. This will indeed act as a catalyst for an increased diplomatic engagement
in bilateral relations between Turkey and Western countries. President Erdogan’s recent decisions
also signify the security concerns and objectives shared between Turkey and the United States.
Certainly, recent developments might help address some of the issues that have strained
US-Turkey relations while providing a foundation for closer cooperation in matters of mutual
interest, such as economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional stability in the Middle
East. We might see more high-level talks, exchanges, and joint initiatives between Turkey and
the United States in the near future.
