WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden is set to meet with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson next week to discuss transatlantic security cooperation and the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a statement released by the White House on Saturday.
During the meeting scheduled for July 5, the two leaders will focus on reviewing the growing security cooperation between the United States and Sweden. They will also reaffirm their shared belief that Sweden should join NATO at the earliest opportunity. Sweden formally expressed its desire to join NATO in May 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, its membership bid has been blocked by Turkey and Hungary, as the ratification process requires approval from all 31 NATO member states.
Western officials had hoped to welcome Sweden into the alliance before the NATO summit in Lithuania, scheduled for July 11-12. However, recent events have cast doubt on Sweden’s swift accession. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Sweden this week for allowing a protest in which a man burned pages from the Koran, further complicating Sweden’s chances of joining NATO promptly.
Sweden’s NATO Membership Bid
Expressing his satisfaction with the invitation, Prime Minister Kristersson stated, “I am delighted that President Biden is inviting us to a meeting next week, before the NATO summit in Vilnius the following week. The focus of the visit will be on Sweden’s NATO accession.”
In addition to discussing NATO membership, Biden and Kristersson will address the issue of supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. The two leaders will emphasize their shared commitment to Ukraine’s security and stability.
The meeting at the White House will also provide an opportunity to discuss transatlantic coordination on other important issues, including China, climate change, and emerging technologies. Both countries recognize the significance of working together to address these global challenges.
