Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently visited the Swedish Armed Forces at Berga Naval Base, marking his first visit to Sweden since the country joined NATO in March. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Mr. Stoltenberg emphasized that Sweden’s membership has strengthened NATO and increased security within Sweden. He praised Sweden for its contributions to the Alliance, including highly capable forces and advanced capabilities. Sweden’s commitment to spending more than 2% of GDP on defense has also been recognized, as it enhances NATO’s presence in the High North and the Baltic region.
During his visit, Mr. Stoltenberg welcomed Sweden’s decision to contribute to NATO’s Air Policing, showcasing Sweden’s major contributions to the Alliance just three months after joining. He further highlighted Sweden’s support to Ukraine, commending the country for its leadership and substantial financial contributions. Sweden’s decision to provide two state-of-the-art radar surveillance aircraft to Ukraine as part of its largest assistance package to date was also acknowledged as a significant contribution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Looking ahead to the Washington Summit in July, Allied leaders will discuss a larger NATO role in coordinating and supplying security assistance and training for Ukraine. Mr. Stoltenberg has proposed a multi-year financial pledge to ensure more accountability and predictability in NATO’s support for Ukraine. By demonstrating a strong commitment to Ukraine for the long term, NATO aims to send a clear message to Moscow that the conflict cannot be prolonged indefinitely. The Secretary General believes that a stronger commitment to Ukraine will ultimately lead to a resolution of the conflict and peace in the region.
Overall, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to Sweden highlighted the country’s valuable contributions to NATO and its support for Ukraine. Sweden’s membership in NATO has bolstered the Alliance and increased security in the region. By actively participating in NATO initiatives, such as Air Policing, Sweden has demonstrated its commitment to collective defense and security. Additionally, Sweden’s substantial support for Ukraine showcases its leadership in addressing international conflicts and promoting stability in the region.
