Sweden and the United States have signed a new memorandum of understanding on technology cooperation covering areas including artificial intelligence (AI), defence innovation, space, and quantum technology. The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in connection with the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Helsingborg (southwestern Sweden).
According to a press release from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement, called the Technology Prosperity Deal, covers areas such as AI, connectivity, biomedicine, energy, advanced manufacturing, and defence innovation. The agreement is described as a political declaration of intent and entails no legal or financial commitments.
– At its core, this is about strengthening our competitiveness and safeguarding our business interests. Sweden is ranked as one of the world's most innovative and creative countries, thanks to the hard work of many people, says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in the press release.
At the signing ceremony in Helsingborg, Maria Malmer Stenergard said the agreement would deepen cooperation between the two countries in new technology and innovation.
– Whether it concerns AI, connectivity, defence innovation, or space, we are stronger when we work together, she said at the ceremony, according to the US Department of State.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Sweden as an important partner in innovation and technology.
– This is a very creative and innovative society with very creative and innovative people. What we are signing today builds on a long-standing cooperation in technology and innovation, said Rubio.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States has previously concluded similar technology cooperation agreements with the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea.