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What are the terms under which Turkey’s Erdogan agreed to back Sweden’s NATO bid?


NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Monday that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to “ensure the ratification” of Sweden’s bid to join NATO.

Turkey had for long refused to ratify Sweden’s NATO accession over objections of alleging that Stockholm supported Kurdish militants, namely the PKK, which Ankara deems a terrorist organization, and failing to extradite dozens of suspected “terrorists,” specifically the followers of Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating a 2016 coup attempt.

Ankara’s objections persisted despite a summit in Madrid last year whereby Sweden and Finland sought to address Turkish security concerns, and at its conclusion memorandums of understandings were signed. Yet, while Erdogan approved Finland’s bid, he continued to refuse to back Sweden’s membership bid citing terrorism and security concerns.

However, Erdogan has now approved Sweden’s bid according to a joint statement by him, Prime Minister Kristersson, and Stoltenberg.

What does the agreement entail?

Sweden has amended its constitution, changed its laws, significantly expanded its counter- terrorism cooperation against the PKK, and resumed arms exports to Turkey.

Sweden will present a roadmap as the basis of its continued fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations towards the full implementation of all elements of the Trilateral Memorandum.

Sweden reiterates that it will not provide support to YPG/PYD. Turkey views the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG), as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and categorizes them as terrorist organizations. Ankara argues that the PYD/YPG shares ideological, operational, and organizational links with the PKK, which has been engaged in a decades-long armed insurgency against the Turkish state. Turkey contends that the PYD/YPG's goal of establishing an autonomous Kurdish region in Syria threatens its national security and territorial integrity.

Sweden also reiterates that it will not provide support to the organisation described as FETO in Turkey. The Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO) is an entity that Turkey's government perceives as a clandestine network led by Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher and former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. FETO is accused of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016. Erdogan and his administration maintain that FETO infiltrated various state institutions, including the judiciary, police, military, and education sector, with the aim of overthrowing the government. The Turkish government considers FETO a terrorist organization due to its alleged involvement in illegal activities, including the coup attempt, and its purported efforts to undermine the state's stability and institutions. Erdogan and his government have outlawed FETO and launched a widespread crackdown on its members, leading to mass arrests, dismissals, and closures of institutions linked to the organization.

Both Sweden and Turkey agreed that counter-terrorism cooperation is a long-term effort, which will continue beyond Sweden’s accession to NATO. Secretary General Stoltenberg also reconfirmed that NATO categorically condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. NATO will be significantly stepping up its work in this area, including by the Secretary General establishing, for the first time at NATO, the post of Special Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism.

The three leaders committed to the principle that there should be no restrictions, barriers or sanctions to defense trade and investment among Allies. And that they will work towards eliminating such obstacles. In 2019, Sweden had announced a ban on weapons exports to Turkey following the Turkish military offensive in northern Syria. The decision came in response to international concerns regarding the impact of the offensive on Kurdish forces and the civilian population in the region. The Swedish government, in alignment with its strict arms export control policies, expressed apprehensions about the potential misuse of Swedish weapons in the conflict. The ban was implemented as a precautionary measure to prevent the exacerbation of violence and instability in the area. By imposing this ban, Sweden aimed to send a clear message of disapproval and to ensure that its arms exports align with its commitment to human rights, peace, and stability.

Sweden will actively support efforts to reinvigorate Turkey’s EU accession process, including modernization of the EU-Turkey Customs Union and visa liberalization. Turkey has been actively pursuing the ambition of becoming a member of the European Union (EU) for a significant duration. The country's interest in joining the EU dates back to the 1960s when it initially applied for associate membership. Since then, Turkey has made substantial endeavors to align its political, economic, and social systems with the standards and regulations of the EU. These endeavors have involved implementing diverse reforms, such as modernizing its legal framework, enhancing human rights safeguards, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Read more:

NATO chief: Erdogan agreed to send Sweden’s accession protocol to parliament ‘ASAP’

NATO Chief backs Turkey EU membership goal as Erdogan bargains to ratify Sweden’s bid

Turkey to back Sweden’s NATO bid in return for EU membership: Erdogan

Turkey conditions approval of Sweden NATO bid on putting legal changes into practice

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Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

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At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

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US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM

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