“I wholeheartedly support President Erdogan’s signing of protocols for Sweden’s NATO membership. This is welcome, if overdue, news for the Alliance and the broad bilateral relationship. Sweden, with its advanced military and technologies, will be a security provider from day one of its membership. Despite Russia’s illegal, brutal aggression, the NATO alliance is stronger than ever. I hope to see Hungary finally approve Sweden’s accession.  

“I am also encouraged by steps Turkey has taken to de-escalate tensions in the Aegean Sea and elsewhere with its neighbors and strengthen accountability and enforcement measures against illicit Russian capital flows. These steps taken together led to my decision to approve the significant pending F-16 aircraft case to Turkey. I look forward to Turkey’s ongoing work on these commitments as well as further steps to de-escalate in northeast Syria, and actions as a constructive partner across the Middle East. I am committed to a strong U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship and coordination with our NATO allies and other important regional partners.”