On Monday, Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist (S) received the ministerial colleagues from Denmark and Norway, Morten Bødskov and Bjørn Arild Gram, in Malmö harbour.
The meeting began with four fighter jets, from both Sweden and Denmark, flying over the port and the three ministers – according to Hultqvist, a sign that the defense cooperation between the countries should be further strengthened.
— There is basically an increased military presence in the Baltic Sea area. On several occasions, we have seen unprofessional and irresponsible behavior from the Russian side, says Peter Hultqvist.
— Strengthened cooperation with our countries is now very important. The agreement allows us to coordinate more and condition military operations, continues Hultqvist.
The strengthened cooperation is about gaining control over the Baltic Sea area more easily. This includes, among other things, using both each other’s airspace and military infrastructure.
— We have a shared responsibility to keep our area safe. We must cooperate more closely and share information more often, says Danish Defense Minister Morten Bødskov.