Finland and Sweden are not taking concrete steps to fulfill Turkey's requirements for NATO membership. This was stated by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar. His words are quoted by the Anadolu agency.

“Unfortunately, provocative actions are still taking place in Finland and Sweden. We expect specific steps from Sweden and Finland,” Akar said. The Minister stressed that Sweden and Finland have taken on certain obligations, "which must be fulfilled."

According to Akar, Ankara remains open on NATO's open door policy. At the same time, Turkey expects its national security priorities to be taken into account.

The Turkish Defense Minister said that on December 8 he will hold talks with the head of the Finnish Defense Ministry, Antti Kaikkonen.

Earlier, Turkey, Finland and Sweden signed a Tripartite Memorandum that removes barriers to countries' accession to NATO. In particular, they concern the ban on the activities of organizations that are recognized as terrorist in Turkey, as well as the lifting of restrictions on the defense industry in Ankara.

Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership in May. This decision was not supported by Hungary and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey will not approve the entry of Sweden and Finland into NATO until the promises are fulfilled.