LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday he hoped NATO could proceed with ratifying Sweden's accession to the alliance as soon as possible, pointing out the "significant benefits" of the country's membership.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the two spoke on Friday on a range of matters, including Ukraine, their bilateral relationship and tackling illegal immigration.

"He underlined the significant benefits of Sweden joining NATO and the progress they have made in addressing Turkey's legitimate security concerns and hoped the alliance could proceed with ratifying their accession as soon as possible," the spokesperson said before a NATO summit next week.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper)