Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his objection to bids by Finland and Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party on Wednesday, he said Turkey expects NATO allies to understand its sensitivity and show their respect.

Erdogan said it is inconsistent for Sweden and Finland to seek to join the military alliance so long as they provide support for terrorists. He was referring to activities in the Nordic countries by members of the Kurdish armed groups. He said the Kurdish militants are active especially in Sweden.

He said the two countries are demanding Turkey to support their bids, even though they do not hand over terrorists.