Rinkevics praises Erdogan's commitment to ratify Sweden's membership to NATO

RIGA - Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's commitment to submit the protocol on Sweden's admission to NATO to the parliament for ratification.

Rinkevics praised the decision on hos Twitter account, and said it is very good news and expressed hope that the said ratification process will be completed very soon.

"I thank Turkey, Sweden and [NATO Secretary General Jens] Stoltenberg for achieving this result, which is important for the security of the entire alliance," Rinkevics tweeted.

The AFP news agency reports that Turkey agreed Monday to allow Sweden to join NATO, setting the stage for the allies to showcase their unity at a summit focused on supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's block on Sweden's membership bid had cast a cloud over preparations for Tuesday's meeting, but the countries ironed out their differences in eleventh-hour talks in Vilnius.

"Completing Sweden's accession to NATO is an historic step that benefits the security of all NATO allies at this critical time. It makes us all stronger and safer," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Kristersson said he was "very happy" and hailed "a good day for Sweden".

Sweden's bid must still be approved by the Turkish parliament, and Erdogan has agreed to push for its ratification.

Hungary is also yet to greenlight Stockholm's bid, but Prime Minister Viktor Orban has signalled he will follow Erdogan's lead.

US President Joe Biden, also in Vilnius for the summit, thanked Stoltenberg and said: "I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kristersson and Sweden as our 32nd NATO ally."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also welcomed the "good news" on Twitter.