It is the time to ratify the NATO membership applications of both Finland and Sweden, the NATO secretary general said during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

At the same time, Stoltenberg said he fully acknowledged Turkey's legitimate security concerns.

Stoltenberg said Turkey has legitimate security concerns, no country has suffered more terrorist attacks than Turkey, he said, adding that the membership of the two northern states will actually strengthen the ability to fight international terrorism.

He also called the recent burning of a Quran in Stockholm a shameful act.

For his part, Cavusoglu called for addressing Turkey's concerns about Finland and Sweden not only on paper, but also in deed.

"Just as Sweden does not allow propaganda by DAISH / ISIL, they should not allow propaganda by the PKK terrorist group either," the Turkish Foreign Minister said.

The NATO Secretary General is currently visiting Turkey. The purpose of his trip was said to be an expression of solidarity in connection with the earthquakes in the country.