· Visit to push for NATO
accession ahead of the Alliance’s summit in July
· Talks held in Gotland,
including with the Swedish Foreign Minister
· Accelerating cooperation on
security and ways to tackle illegal migration both on the
agenda
The Foreign Secretary will give full UK backing to Sweden’s bid
to become NATO members on a visit to the country this week.
Ahead of next month’s NATO Summit in Lithuania, will visit Gotland, a
strategically important island, sitting just over 200 miles north
of Kaliningrad, home to Russia’s Baltic Fleet.
During his time there, he will meet Swedish Foreign Minister,
Tobias Billstrom, see crew from a Swedish submarine rescue ship
in action and hold a discussion on European security as part of
Almedalen Week, an annual meeting on the island.
In a sign of the strength of the ties, the visit comes a week
after Prime Minister met Swedish Prime Minister Ulf
Kristersson in London where they discussed the strong friendship
between the two countries, including across defence, security,
trade and technology.
Ahead of the visit, the Foreign Secretary said:
“The UK and Sweden relationship goes back over a thousand
years and plays an ever more pivotal role in European security
today.
“My message to our Swedish friends is clear, the UK is doing
all that we can to support their accession to NATO, which must
happen as soon as possible to bolster our defences and make us
all safer.”
Talks between the Foreign Secretary and Swedish Foreign Minister,
Tobias Billstrom will focus on security cooperation, support for
Ukraine and the challenge from China.
Forging closer ties between the two countries will make both
countries safer and help accelerate cooperation on national
security and combat migrant smuggling, delivering on the Prime
Minister’s priority to tackle illegal migration.
The Foreign Secretary will also meet the Swedish Defence
Minister, Pål Jonson to discuss strengthening defence
cooperation, including through joint exercises and training
between UK and Swedish Armed Forces.
[ENDS]
Notes for editors:
· A press conference between
the Foreign Secretary and Swedish Foreign Minister will take
place on Tuesday 27 June at 15:40 (UK time).
