Nordic country given approval to join NATO

Türkiye is the last country to ratify Finland’s bid to join NATO, clearing the last hurdle for the Nordic nation to officially become a fully-fledged member of the US-led military bloc. In a vote on Thursday, all 276 Turkish MPs present voted in favor of ratifying Finland’s application, clearing the last hurdle for the Nordic nation to officially become a fully-fledged member of the US-led military bloc. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lifted his objections to Finland’s membership, saying it had taken “authentic and concrete steps” in fulfilling its promises. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the ratification, adding that it would “make the whole NATO family stronger and safer.” Finnish President Sauli Niinisto also thanked the bloc’s members for their “trust and support.” Relations between Türkiye and Sweden were further complicated by a Koran-burning protest in Stockholm in January. Sweden’s accession to the US-led bloc is also being held up by Hungary, with its officials pointing to “an ample amount of grievances that need to