NATO ally Turkey lifted its veto over Finland and Sweden's bid to join the NATO alliance on Tuesday, after the three nations agreed to protect each other's security, ending a weeks-long drama that tested allied unity against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The alliance's secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, said the agreement addressed "Turkey's concerns including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism."

The breakthrough came after four hours of talks just before a NATO summit began in Madrid, averting an embarrassing impasse at the gathering of 30 leaders that aims to show resolve against Russia, now seen by the U.S.-led alliance as a direct security threat rather than a possible adversary.

It means Helsinki and Stockholm can proceed with their application to join the nuclear-armed alliance, cementing what is set to be the biggest shift in European security in decades, as the two long-neutral Nordic countries seek NATO protection.

Stoltenberg said NATO's 30 leaders would now invite Finland, which shares a 1,300-km border with Russia, and Sweden to join NATO and that they would become official "invitees.”

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/8953512/turkey-sweden-finland-nato-agreement/

Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#GlobalNews #nato #finland #sweden