In a significant diplomatic move, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson is set to embark on a two-day visit to Colombia and Peru on 9-10 July, aimed at deepening Sweden’s defence cooperation with both countries. The trip marks an important milestone in strengthening ties between Stockholm and the Latin American nations.
Jonson will kick off his South American tour by attending the F-AIR Colombia aeronautic fair in Rionegro, Antioquia, where Sweden will be showcased as a guest of honour. During his speech at the inauguration, he will highlight the potential for enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. Subsequent bilateral talks with his Colombian counterpart Pedro Sánchez are also planned.
Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Embassy of Sweden in Bogotá, Business Sweden, several Swedish companies, and educational institutions will join forces to showcase Sweden’s expertise in defence technology. Notably, two Gripen aircraft will be on display, with support from the Brazilian Air Force.
Key Highlights
- Jonson will deliver a speech at F-AIR Colombia, highlighting Swedish military capabilities and potential cooperation opportunities.
- Bilateral talks between Jonson and his Colombian counterpart Pedro Sánchez are scheduled for the same day.
- A team of Swedish defence experts, including astronaut Marcus Wandt and fighter pilot Anna Dellham, will participate in F-AIR Colombia.
After visiting Rionegro, Jonson will head to Lima, Peru, on 10 July, where he will engage in bilateral meetings with Peru’s Minister of Defence Walter Astudillo Chávez. These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
A New Era for Swedish-Latin American Relations
This trip represents a significant moment in Sweden’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with Latin American countries, particularly those with growing military budgets and strategic interests. By fostering closer ties with Colombia and Peru, Stockholm aims to enhance regional stability and contribute to global security.
Sweden’s increased engagement in South America follows the country’s decision to join NATO’s Enhanced Opportunity Partner program, which aims to boost defence cooperation between member states. With this visit, Jonson is likely to highlight Sweden’s commitment to a more robust security framework in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minister Pål Jonson’s upcoming visit to Colombia and Peru marks an important step towards deepening Swedish-Latin American defence cooperation. By forging stronger ties with these nations, Stockholm seeks to enhance regional stability and contribute to global security in the face of emerging challenges.