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Less than a day after the Turkish parliament gave its final approval for Finland's accession to NATO, a high-ranking German representative today called on Ankara to deal with Sweden's stalled application to join the alliance, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.

After the decision of the Turkish MPs to approve Finland's application for accession, only the last formalities remain before it becomes a full member of NATO.

However, Turkey and Hungary continue to block Sweden's accession.

German government spokesman Stefan Hebestreit welcomed the approval of Finland's application, but added that it must be followed by an approval of Sweden's application as well.

Germany is leading "an intensive campaign for Sweden to receive all ratification documents in the foreseeable future".

Berlin is looking forward to the accession of the two northern countries to NATO, Hebestreit also said.

Turkey

Germany

NATO

Sweden