United States President Joe Biden has said the US must defend every inch of NATO territory. Challenger Donald Trump has not been as clear.
Trump has said that NATO countries must live up to spending two percent of GDP on defense or he would let Russia “do whatever the hell they want.”
— We are grateful for the strong leadership from the American administration, Kristersson said when he handed over Sweden’s accession documents to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday.
Long cooperation
Sweden has since Take Erlanders time had a defense cooperation with the USA, continued Kristersson. Now becoming part of NATO – where the USA is the leading country – is like “coming home”.
Kristersson does not want to speculate on what a possible win for Trump in the presidential election in November would mean for Sweden. Sweden does not get involved in other countries’ elections, he says. But Europe and Sweden must build up their defense capabilities.
— If the EU and Europe want the US to remain as committed to European security, to the security of Ukraine, as they have been so far, then we must also do our part of the homework and have our own strong defense and not rely on the US to do it for U.S.
Ulf Kristersson together with US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Tobias Billström in connection with the handing over of the accession document on Thursday. Invited by Biden
Kristersson believes that Europe has reason to be more interested in US interests in other parts of the world, such as in the Pacific and China.
— There are strong reasons to keep the transatlantic link alive.
On Thursday evening, the Prime Minister is invited by Joe Biden to participate in the President’s address to the nation – state of the union.
— I am very honored to be invited. I see it as a sign of President Biden’s strong commitment to Sweden and we have had a fantastic collaboration during these years which I place great value on.
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