Ignoring terror groups that threaten ally against NATO spirit: Turkish leader

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) – Ignoring terrorist organizations that pose a threat to a NATO ally is not compatible with the “spirit of friendship and alliance,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto in a phone call on Saturday.

Bilateral relations and Finland’s bid to join NATO were the main focus of discussions, Turkiye’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.

Erdogan said it is Turkiye’s “most natural right” to expect respect and support for its legitimate and determined struggle against what remains a clear threat to its national security and people, according to the statement.

Sweden and Finland formally applied to join NATO on Wednesday – a decision spurred by Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine.

However, Turkiye, a longstanding member of the alliance, has voiced objections to the membership bids, criticizing the countries for tolerating and even supporting terrorist groups.