In a significant development, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will embark on a diplomatic mission to Paris on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, where he will engage in bilateral talks with his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu. The high-level meeting marks an important step in strengthening Sweden and France's defense cooperation, particularly in the face of regional security challenges.
The discussions between Jonson and Lecornu will focus on several key areas, including continued support to Ukraine, current EU and NATO issues, and materiel cooperation between the two nations. Sweden and France have long-standing good relations in the defense sector, with a deepening partnership aimed at promoting innovation capacity in their respective defense industries.
The bilateral talks are set against the backdrop of an increasingly complex security landscape, where both countries acknowledge the need for strengthened cooperation to address common challenges. By strengthening their defense ties, Sweden and France aim to enhance regional stability and contribute to the broader European security architecture.
Notably, the visit follows a ministerial Declaration of Intent signed by Jonson and Lecornu in January 2024, during French President Emmanuel Macron's State Visit to Sweden. The declaration outlined a framework for enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to regional security and international stability.
Sweden and France have consistently demonstrated their willingness to work together on key defense issues, from counter-terrorism to cybersecurity. By strengthening their bilateral relations, both countries aim to promote a more secure and stable Europe, while also contributing to the global efforts to address emerging security challenges.
In conclusion, Minister Jonson's visit to Paris represents an important milestone in Sweden-France defense cooperation. The talks with Lecornu are expected to yield significant progress on regional security issues, materiel cooperation, and innovation capacity enhancement, underscoring the significance of this partnership in promoting European security and stability.