In Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to host NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for talks that reflect a broader strategic moment for the alliance. The closed-door meeting will occur in the Dolmabahçe Palace offices, with discussions focused on NATO accession to Sweden and the implications for regional security. The session is scheduled to start at 14:00 local time, a timing that aligns with discussions in multiple capitals and mirrors shifts in EU and alliance calendars.
Officials emphasize that the agenda centers on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, a topic that has dominated recent diplomatic exchanges between Ankara and Stockholm. The Turkish side has signaled that progress toward a final decision depends on concrete steps to address concerns over anti-terrorism legislation and extradition matters. The atmosphere of the talks aims to balance security concerns with the broader goal of reinforcing deterrence and unity within the alliance.
Earlier, Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Ankara to participate in the inauguration ceremony for the re-elected Turkish president. The visit underscored the close, albeit sometimes tense, diplomatic channels that keep NATO and member states aligned on shared defense priorities. The exchanges in Ankara are part of a wider diplomatic rhythm that includesTurkey’s ongoing consultations with allies about the security landscape in Europe and the high-stakes process of Sweden’s accession.
In related reporting, sources indicated that the Turkish government could reach a decision on Sweden’s application in the lead-up to the alliance’s upcoming summit. The discussions reflect a consensus that Sweden has addressed key commitments with respect to anti-terror laws, while continuing to monitor practical steps around judicial cooperation and regional stabilization. These developments come as NATO seeks to reinforce a united front in the face of evolving security challenges across Europe and the North Atlantic region.