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The United States has announced it’s closing in on a bilateral defence cooperation agreement with Sweden, as the country awaits approval to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
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The US Department of State announced both countries are concluding an agreement on 29 May that will allow a deeper security partnership, enhanced cooperation in multilateral security operations and stronger transatlantic security.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson had previously announced the start of negotiations for a bilateral defence cooperation agreement in January this year.
Defence cooperation agreements typically allow partnered countries to operate on both countries’ territories, as well as warehousing equipment and weaponry at in-country bases.
“Our two countries, along with allies and partners, will continue to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country, their democracy, and their cultural heritage against Russia’s brutal aggression,” a US Department of State spokesperson said.
“Each country has made its own sovereign decision about what types of security assistance and what kinds of equipment it can provide Ukraine.
“We have seen incredible solidarity by countries around the world to support Ukraine, including from Sweden. We value Sweden’s contributions, helping Ukraine with the security assistance it needs in order to succeed on the battlefield.
US officials have previously confirmed they would like to welcome Sweden as the 32nd NATO ally before the July NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Sweden and Finland both applied for NATO membership in February last year after the start of the Ukraine War. Finland’s application was accepted in April this year, while Sweden’s bid has stalled with approval required from Turkey and Hungary.
Sweden has also previously joined the United States in the Minerals Security Partnership in 2022, to bolster critical minerals supply chains essential for the clean energy transition.
