Published: Less than 10 min ago
Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau have discussed the security policy situation due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Rau says at a press conference in Stockholm that Poland hopes that Sweden can join NATO by the summit in Vilnius in July at the latest.
– I hope that this process is completed as soon as possible.
Billström says:
– We will continue to build a strategic collaboration with Poland.
“Great and influential”
Security in the immediate area, the support for Ukraine and the transatlantic relations and the security industry is something that will continue to cooperate on, according to Billström.
– Security, competitiveness, green transition, democratic values and the rule of law are the Swedish priorities for the Swedish presidency of the EU, says Billström.
– Poland is a large and influential country in the EU. It is important for us to have a dialogue with Poland on issues concerning our issues our countries.
Tobias Billström describes how Russia “challenges the free world”. And that there is a clear connection between internal repression and external aggression in Russia.
– The security situation in our part of the world is fundamentally deteriorating. Russia’s demands for an alternative security order threaten international peace and security.
Security in the Baltic Sea region
Billström highlights the importance of continued close cooperation within the EU, with NATO.
– A strong transatlantic connection is of utmost importance. Swedish and Finnish NATO membership will significantly benefit security in the Baltic Sea region, he says and concludes:
– We appreciate the Polish support for the Swedish NATO process and look forward to continued cooperation.