News

Turkey Approves Swedish Bid for NATO Membership

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

ticker NEWS

In a significant development, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to present Sweden’s bid for NATO membership to the Turkish parliament, potentially putting an end to months of uncertainty and strain within the alliance.

Sweden and Finland, both of which had adhered to military non-alignment policies during the Cold War era, applied for NATO membership in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While Finland’s membership was approved in April, Turkey and Hungary had yet to endorse Sweden’s bid. However, with Erdogan’s agreement, it seems that the final hurdle for Swedish accession to NATO has been removed.

“This has been a good day for Sweden,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters, saying Monday’s statement was “a very big step” toward the final ratification of Sweden’s membership of NATO.

Sweden has been actively working towards joining the alliance at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, which is set to commence on Tuesday.

The joint statement issued by Turkey and Sweden highlighted Sweden’s commitment to refrain from supporting Kurdish groups and actively supporting Turkey’s efforts to revive its EU accession process.

Erdogan emphasised that the European Union should clear the path for Turkey’s own EU membership before approving Sweden’s NATO membership in the Turkish parliament.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged Erdogan’s commitment to push for ratification in parliament promptly, although a specific timeline was not provided. Previously, it took two weeks for Finland’s membership to be ratified by Turkey’s parliament.

The U.S. and its allies have exerted pressure on Turkey for months, with some NATO partners suspecting Turkey of leveraging Sweden’s membership to negotiate its defence deals, particularly in relation to its request to purchase F-16 fighters and modernisation kits from Lockheed Martin Corp.

U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the announcement, and he is scheduled to engage in face-to-face discussions with Erdogan during the NATO summit.

The resolution of Sweden’s NATO membership issue is anticipated to alleviate tensions within the alliance and facilitate the strengthening of NATO’s collective defence capabilities in the face of ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.

Leaders

Cyber security shifts redefine critical infrastructure in APAC

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats

Published

8 hours ago

October 2, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.

In Short:
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.

The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.

Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.

Increased Visibility

Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.

Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.

News

Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.