The Turkish Parliament passed a bill regarding the approval of Sweden’s long-delayed NATO accession bid on Tuesday.

After discussion on the bill approving the protocol on Sweden’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the Turkish parliament, the bill was approved by 287 out of 346 members of the parliament who participated in the vote.

While 55 members of the parliament voted “against” the bill, four members “abstained.”

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) approved the bill, while the Good Party (IP), Felicity Party (SP), and other parties opposed it.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed the move.

“Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO,” Kristersson said on social media platform X. “Positive that the Grand General Assembly of Turkiye has voted in favour of Sweden’s NATO accession,” he said.

The US also welcomed the parliament’s approval, according to a statement made by White House National Security Advisor to President Joe Biden.

“We welcome the Turkish parliament’s vote approving Sweden’s application to join @NATO. This has been an important priority for @POTUS. Sweden is a strong, capable defence partner whose membership in NATO will make the U.S. and the Alliance safer and stronger,” Jake Sullivan said on X.

The Turkish Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the protocol on Sweden’s NATO accession bid in December, bringing an end to a 19-month standoff that strained ties between Ankara and its Western allies.