On Thursday, US President Joe Biden predicted that Sweden would join NATO “soon” during a speech at the United States Air Force Academy, just days after hinting at a possible deal to overcome Turkey’s opposition to admitting the Nordic country to the alliance.
President Biden warned Colorado College graduates in a rousing speech full of flag waving that they are entering a world that is becoming increasingly unstable due to countries such as Russia and China.P
President Biden called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to congratulate him on his re-election.
Biden told the press: While Biden urged Turkey to reconsider its opposition to Sweden’s NATO membership, Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s interest in purchasing F-16 fighter jets from the US.
In his commencement address, Biden stated that NATO is now stronger than it was before Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
He went on to say that it was strengthened even more by the addition of Finland “and soon, Sweden.”
“I promise you, it will happen,” he said, without further explanation.
Biden stated that he would contact Erdogan again on Monday. NATO holds its annual meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Turkey on Tuesday to approve Sweden’s NATO membership as soon as possible, citing the country’s significant measures to address Ankara’s concerns about Sweden’s membership.
The White House has denied reports that Biden is attempting to reach an agreement with Turkey in exchange for F16s.
The 80-year-old president, who is running for reelection in 2024, stood throughout the ceremony, shaking hands with and giving sharp salutes to the graduates, who were all dressed in blue. The Air Force Academy is 7,258 feet (2,212.3 meters) above sea level.
Despite the serious tensions in the US-China relationship, President Biden stated unequivocally that the US would not back down from the challenge posed by China.
The US does not want a war or a military confrontation with China. He argued that the US and China should work together on climate and other global issues whenever possible.
“But we are prepared for vigorous competition,” he said, reassuring his audience that the US would defend its own interests as well as those of its allies.
The president reaffirmed the United States’ support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
“The support of the American people for Ukraine will not waver,” Biden stated.
