Conflicts & War

Sweden, UK sign agreement on mutual security guarantees

Copenhagen, May 11 (EFE).- The prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Sweden signed a security pact on Wednesday that includes military support as Stockholm considers whether or not to join Nato.

Boris Johnson and Magdalena Andersson signed an agreement that features an aid pledge in the event of a crisis or military attack, as well as greater cooperation in areas such as military intelligence, technology, weapons purchases or military maneuvers.

During a joint press conference in Stockholm, Johnson highlighted the importance of the agreement in the development of the relationship between the two countries.

The deal, which “enshrines the values that both Sweden and the UK hold”, will allow the two countries to “share more intelligence, bolster military exercises and further joint development of technology.”

Andersson said the pact provides security to the Nordic nation regardless of whether it chooses to join Nato.

The UK has been leading the so-called Joint Expeditionary Force for over five years, which includes Sweden, Finland and seven northern European Nato member countries.

Both Sweden and Finland have maintained their status as allies — but not as members — of Nato for years, although the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a shift in the two Nordic nations that have traditionally remained militarily neutral.

“The tensions in this part of Europe has increased in the last years given Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine,” Andersson said.

Johnson is due to travel to Finland later on Wednesday. EFE

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