FOREIGN MINISTER STENERGARD: Well, it's such an honor, Secretary Blinken, dear Tony, to soon be handing over the Royal Order of the Polar Star to you. The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 and is intended to recognize personal endeavors for Sweden and Swedish interests, and you have, like I told you yesterday in the session at NATO, our deepest gratitude for your extraordinary efforts in securing Sweden's membership in NATO, from U.S. security assurances to making sure that we had all Allies behind us.
Thank you also for your role in the support of Ukraine and for the transatlantic unity in these very difficult times. And Sweden will, of course, live up to your expectations and be a trusted partner for a more secure NATO.
It is now my honor to bestow, upon the command of his majesty the king of Sweden, the Commander Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Polar Star for extraordinary contributions to Swedish interests in relation to Sweden's entry into NATO.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Maria, thank you so very much. This is an incredibly moving moment for me. The United States and Sweden have been friends and partners for a long time. Now we're Allies, and in a time of challenge, a time of turbulence, that's a source of great comfort, even confidence, in the future - knowing that we sit around the table together at NATO, knowing that we'll be doing even more together to try to make the world a little bit safer, a little bit more secure, a little bit more full of opportunity for our people and for people around the world.
We couldn't have a better friend, a better partner, a better Ally in the world than Sweden, and to have played a small part in Sweden's accession to NATO —
FOREIGN MINISTER STENERGARD: A big part.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, it's something that, on behalf of President Biden, I take great pride in for the entire team, and please convey to majesty my deep appreciation for this recognition. Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER STENERGARD: Thank you so much. Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone.
