Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in Stockholm today, June 20, 2025, as part of a bilateral meeting aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.
The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, where Secretary Rubio is set to participate. They also touched on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, with Secretary Rubio expressing appreciation for Sweden's commitment to supporting NATO Allies in their defense spending efforts.
Specifically, the Swedish Foreign Minister's country has pledged significant support for European and transatlantic security, including a commitment to spend five percent of its GDP on defense. The U.S. government views this effort as crucial to maintaining stability and security in the region.
In addition to these pressing global concerns, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of secure supply chains. This issue has become increasingly relevant in light of recent disruptions to critical infrastructure and trade routes.
The meeting between Secretary Rubio and Maria Malmer Stenergard is a significant step forward in the U.S.-Sweden relationship, with both countries looking to strengthen their collaboration on key security issues. The visit comes as part of Secretary Rubio's efforts to engage with European partners and promote transatlantic cooperation in response to emerging challenges.
The United States values its close relationship with Sweden and looks forward to continuing to work with the Swedish government on matters of mutual interest, including defense, trade, and security.