BREAKING: Erdogan says that Turkey will ratify Finland's NATO application, praises Finland on Turkish security

Finland's bid to join Nato has finally secured the backing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey had blocked Finland's application for months, complaining it had supported "terrorists".

At a press conference in Ankara with his Finnish counterpart, Mr Erdogan praised Finland's "authentic and concrete steps" on Turkish security.
Any Nato expansion needs the support of all its members - and Finland is now a step closer to joining.

A vote will go to Turkey's parliament to approve its application. Finland, which neighbours Russia, applied with Sweden to join the West's defensive alliance last May.

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