Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that normalizing relations between NATO and Sweden can have a positive impact on the United States and Canada, according to Reuters. Erdogan stated that the developments he is waiting for, specifically the sale of F-16s from the United States and negotiations with Canada regarding weapon systems, are linked to Turkey’s approach to Sweden within the NATO alliance. He also mentioned that during a recent phone conversation with the US President, they both agreed that Turkey should continue its dialogue with Sweden on the F-16 decision. Turkey is aiming to acquire 40 fighter jets and 80 armed drones for self-production, starting in 2021.

The Biden administration has already granted approval for the sale, but discussions are still ongoing in Congress. The resolution of this issue is connected to Sweden’s NATO membership and Turkey’s human rights situation. Canada has suspended arms sales to Turkey, including parts of combat aircraft and optical sensors, until further notice, following Erdogan’s announcement that Sweden’s entry into NATO would no longer be blocked.

As previously reported, Turkey and Hungary are the remaining NATO members that have yet to ratify Sweden’s membership. Erdogan has sent the necessary document to parliament, but it has not yet been prioritized for discussion, indicating that the question is not currently a top concern.