If Sweden joins NATO, the nation will make the alliance “higher at defending ourselves,” US Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin stated throughout opening remarks forward of a bilateral assembly with Swedish Protection Minister Peter Hultqvist on the Pentagon on Wednesday.
“Your capabilities are fashionable, related and vital, and your addition to the alliance will make us all higher at defending ourselves. And naturally, that’s particularly essential at this important time,” Austin stated, because the warfare in Ukraine continues.
“The US strongly helps Sweden’s utility for NATO membership,” Austin added.
Austin thanked Sweden for its assist in supporting Ukraine by the previous two-and-a-half months of the warfare.
“Sweden has joined the USA and our allies and companions in speeding urgently wanted safety help and humanitarian assist to the courageous folks of Ukraine,” Austin stated. “Your management has helped deliver renewed resolve and resolve to the Swedish protection and safety institution.”
Sweden has determined to formally apply to NATO for membership this week, together with Finland.
Hultqvist stated Russia’s warfare in Ukraine poses a “long-term risk to European safety,” and known as it a “time the place the democracies of Europe and North America should stand collectively towards Russia’s bare aggression.”
Whereas the US and Sweden already work collectively militarily, Hultqvist stated that “issues have modified” due to Russia’s invasion.
“We’ve executed loads collectively to make interoperability to train collectively and to develop the connection between our armed forces,” Hultqvist stated. “From our viewpoint, we’ve seen it as one thing that has given stability to our a part of Europe, however the warfare in Ukraine is a actuality and issues have modified.”
Hultqvist known as Sweden’s determination to use for NATO membership a “manifestation of our dedication to transatlantic safety and transatlantic cooperation.”
“In tying our safety much more intently to the safety of the USA and others, we’re exercising our proper to make our personal decisions in offering for our safety,” Hultqvist added.
US President Joe Biden on Thursday is about to welcome the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Finland to the White Home in a key present of help.
The leaders are anticipated to talk about Finland and Sweden’s NATO purposes, European safety and help for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, White Home press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated in a press release.
