Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M), Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M), and Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) have arrived in Washington and represent Sweden at the meeting.
– Sweden is now fully participating in NATO. As a member, Sweden is safer. By virtue of our geography and military capabilities, we contribute to making NATO stronger, developments in our region more predictable, and our neighboring countries more secure, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a press release from the Government Offices.
According to the Government Offices, the summit will focus on the development of NATO's deterrence and defense, particularly in light of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Discussions will also cover partnership collaborations and the alliance's long-term support for Ukraine. In conjunction with the summit, NATO's 75th anniversary is also being highlighted.
– The issues to be addressed during this year's summit are important for the entire alliance, including Sweden and the Swedish Armed Forces. Sweden is now fully involved in both the alliance's decision-making and its planning and execution. We have a voice in all decisions made, and we are part of the deterrence and collective defense. We participate and deliver with the existing resources and capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces, says Major General Johan Pekkari, head of the Defense Staff's Strategy Unit in an article on the Swedish Armed Forces' website.