The vice-president of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, Gregory Meeks, expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the protocol of Sweden’s accession to NATO by Turkey. The New York congressman was one of four lawmakers who had to give the go-ahead for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.

In his announcement, Gregory Meeks speaks of a late but welcome step for the NATO alliance and for the bilateral relationship between the US and Turkey. At the same time, he states that he is encouraged by the steps that Ankara has taken in the direction of de-escalation in the Aegean. As he explains, this change in attitude played a key role in his final decision on the F-16 fighters.

Gregory Meeks’ announcement on the approval of the sale of F-16s to Turkey

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

I am also encouraged by the steps Turkey has taken to de-escalate tensions in the Aegean and elsewhere with its neighbors and strengthen controls against illicit Russian capital flows. These steps taken led to my decision to approve the significant pending sale of F-16 aircraft to Turkey. I look forward to further steps towards de-escalation in northeastern Syria, and actions as a constructive partner throughout the Middle East. I am committed to a strong US-Turkey bilateral relationship and coordination with our NATO allies and other important regional partners.”