Brussels, 31 March 2023 (dpa/MIA) - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged the alliance to maintain momentum and admit Sweden "as soon as possible" in a video message on Friday.

"All allies agree that a rapid conclusion of the ratification process for Sweden will be in everyone’s interest," Stoltenberg said after Turkey's parliament voted in favour of Finland's accession to NATO.

Congratulating Finland, Stoltenberg tweeted that he looked forward "to raising Finland's flag" at NATO headquarters soon.

Sweden, along with neighbouring Finland, applied for NATO membership together in May 2022 in the aftermath of the full-fledged Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden's membership however is still pending Turkish ratification due to a number of sticking points, among them Ankara's concerns over what it says is a lack of cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Turkey wants Sweden to extradite 120 people viewed by Ankara as terrorists.

Hungary has also not yet voted to ratify Sweden's NATO membership, citing "an ample amount of grievances" in a statement related to EU budget funds, among other things.