© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Swedish and NATO flags are seen printed on paper this illustration taken April 13, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File photograph
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – The United States and Sweden on Tuesday signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement, the U.S. Department of State stated, because the Nordic nation strengthens army alliances whereas ready for approval to affix NATO.
“Sweden is a strong, capable defense partner that champions NATO’s values, and will further strengthen the Alliance once its NATO accession is completed,” the State Department stated in a written assertion. “Sweden’s membership will strengthen our collective defense and enhance our ability to respond to security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area.”
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson stated he was hopeful that accession would occur “as soon as possible”, however wouldn’t give any estimate when Turkey and Hungary – the one two NATO members to not give Sweden the inexperienced mild but – would add their help.