NATO Summit Opens With Fresh Momentum

July 11, 2023 5:08 am

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — NATO opened its summit Tuesday with fresh momentum after Turkey withdrew its objections to Sweden joining the alliance. It’s a step toward the unity that Western leaders have been eager to demonstrate in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a significant step toward Sweden’s membership. It also will alleviate tension in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called it a “historic day” late Monday evening as he announced the agreement. U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet separately on Tuesday with the leaders of Turkey and Sweden.