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Turkey has always supported the idea of ​​NATO enlargement, but there are concerns about the desire of Finland and Sweden to join the Alliance, given their relations with terrorist groups, the Turkish Foreign Minister was quoted as saying by the Anatolian Agency.

Mevlut Cavusoglu's remarks come after an informal NATO meeting in the German capital, Berlin.

"Countries that support terrorism should not be NATO allies," the first Ankara diplomat said, noting that he had briefed participating officials on the two countries 'support for the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) terrorist group, especially arms assistance provided by Sweden.

Both Finland and Sweden "must stop supporting terrorist groups" and provide clear security guarantees in order to become members of NATO, Cavusoglu reiterated, noting that member states must show solidarity with each other.

Turkey has made it clear why it opposes Finnish and Swedish membership so far, and disapproves of the two countries' talks with members of the PKK and its Syrian subdivision, the ONS (People's Self-Defense Forces), Cavusoglu said.

He added that while many members of the alliance welcome the idea of ​​Finland and Sweden joining the Alliance, they also agree that Turkey's concerns must be resolved.

Restrictions on export permits from future NATO members are "unacceptable," he added, saying such restrictions have been adopted against hostile countries.

The minister added that Turkey's demands for the countries to lift restrictions on their defense industry and exports should be seen as an indicator of the union's spirit, not a bargaining chip, because Ankara has concerns for both sides.

During their tripartite meetings, the Finnish and Swedish sides came up with proposals to address Turkey's concerns, he said, stressing that identifying the PKK as a terrorist group would not in itself meet the expectations of the Turkish government, which wants to see more tangible efforts.

Greece supports the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, Dendias said

Cavusoglu also commented on statements by his Swedish counterpart, Ann Linde, about relations with terrorist groups, saying they were not "productive" but "provocative".

On the other hand, the Turkish senior diplomat said that his Finnish counterpart Peka Haavisto has been cautious so far.

In its more than 35-year terrorist campaign against Turkey, the PKK - listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the EU - has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children and babies, the Anatolian Agency reported.

The ONS is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.

For decades, Sweden and Finland have been neutral in the region on foreign policy, but the war between Ukraine and Russia has changed their approach as they have demonstrated their intention to join NATO.

NATO membership

Mevlut Cavusoglu