At a time when the world faces geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Canada and Sweden, two like-minded and trusted partners, are deepening relations to advance shared priorities for the benefit of our people and in the interest of global stability.
Yesterday, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, in Stockholm to reaffirm the long-standing friendship shared by the two countries; a friendship that has been strengthened by their over 80 years of diplomatic relations and that is underpinned by shared values, including a commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The Ministers discussed how Sweden makes NATO stronger and more secure. Minister Billström thanked Canada for its support throughout the NATO Accession process, including being the first Ally to ratify Sweden's accession. As NATO Allies, the Ministers pledged to deepen transatlantic security cooperation and tackle challenges together. Minister Joly recalled that prior to Sweden's accession to NATO, Canadian and Swedish troops trained Ukrainian forces together under Operation UNIFIER. She welcomed Sweden's commitment to work shoulder to shoulder with Canada as part of the NATO Forward Land Forces Latvia Brigade.
As Canada and the Nordic countries are like-minded neighbours and co-founding members of the Arctic Council, Minister Joly reiterated Canada's strong interest in pursuing cooperation with Sweden toward a productive and successful Canada-Nordic Strategic Dialogue.
