Swedish PM says Turkey's step to ratify country's NATO membership 'encouraging'

"It is encouraging that Turkish President Erdogan has now handed over the ratification protocol to the Turkish Parliament," says Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson.

Kristersson was speaking at a press conference following the announcement of President Erdogan officially submitting Sweden's NATO membership application to its national parliament on 23 October.

Ankara has accused Sweden of harbouring outlawed Kurdish militants, and has demanded their extradition.