There is a way to address Turkey's fears about the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace was quoted as saying by Reuters.

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine 5424

Yesterday, Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO, a decision due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

However, Turkey has objected, accusing the two Scandinavian countries of backing groups Ankara considers terrorist.

"I think there is a way to resolve this issue," Wallace said.

"I think we will achieve that in the end, and it is very important that we listen to all the members and their concerns," he said.

"We will certainly listen to Turkey," the minister told parliament, adding that talks between him and his Turkish counterpart are forthcoming.

For his part, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that it is not uncommon for NATO countries to have differing views on important issues.

"In NATO, we have a lot of experience in discussions and finding solutions when there are differences of opinion," he added during a visit to Copenhagen.

"We maintain close contacts with Finland, Sweden and Turkey. We are responding to the concerns expressed by Turkey," Stoltenberg said.

Erdogan: I gave Turkish "no" to NATO allies for Sweden and Finland

The Secretary General of NATO expressed confidence that a solution would be found quickly, allowing the accession of the two Scandinavian countries, notes AFP, quoted by BTA.

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