Türkiye-Sweden security mechanism meeting to address terrorism cooperation
Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (top center), Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (right) during a meeting, on the eve of a NATO summit, in Vilnius on July 10, 2023. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye and Sweden are set to hold a Security Mechanism meeting in Ankara on Tuesday, with top officials from both nations participating.
The meeting, established after Türkiye approved Sweden’s NATO membership, will focus on enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and addressing concerns about terrorism financing and propaganda.
High-level participation in security talks
The meeting will bring together Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya with Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer.
Diplomats underscore the significance of the discussions in strengthening bilateral ties and tackling shared security challenges.
Türkiye’s priorities in the meeting
Fidan is expected to emphasize Türkiye’s concerns about the PKK, PYD/YPG, and Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) terrorist organizations.
Türkiye will reiterate its expectations for Sweden to take additional steps to halt the financing and propaganda activities of these groups.
Fidan will also express Türkiye’s concerns about the rise of far-right ideologies, Islamophobia, and racism in Europe, highlighting the need for effective measures to combat these trends.
Defense industry and NATO membership
Following Sweden‘s NATO accession, Türkiye seeks the removal of defense industry restrictions to foster long-term cooperation.
The meeting will address opportunities for collaboration in the defense sector and broader bilateral relations.
Delays in the security mechanism
The meeting was originally scheduled for September 18, 2024, but was postponed due to technical issues with the Swedish delegation’s aircraft.
Sweden’s counterterrorism commitments to Türkiye
Under the NATO Trilateral Memorandum signed in June 2022, Sweden pledged to combat PKK-related activities, halt support for FETO and PYD/YPG, and enhance its counterterrorism framework.
Sweden implemented a new anti-terrorism law on June 1, 2023, criminalizing participation in terrorist organizations, and introduced constitutional changes to restrict association with such groups.
The Swedish Security Service’s 2024 annual report referenced the PKK’s financial and propaganda activities in the country.
Concrete steps include closing PKK-linked accounts, appointing a liaison prosecutor, and prosecuting individuals tied to terrorist activities. However, Türkiye continues to call for further action to meet the memorandum’s commitments fully.
