Finnish President Sauli Niinisto (file photo)
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto announced on March 15 that Turkey had reached a decision on ratifying Finland's NATO bid, and said he will visit Istanbul this week to hear the verdict from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "The Turks have hoped that I will be there to receive the answer when they announce the decision. Of course, I accepted the invitation and will go to receive his expression of intent," Niinisto said. Erdogan hinted at giving Finland the green light earlier and said Turkey "will keep the promise we gave." He will meet with Niinisto on March 17. (AFP)
