On May 23, a high-level diplomatic meeting took place between Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and his Luxembourgish counterpart, Yuriko Backes, at the majestic Karlberg Palace in Stockholm. The bilateral discussions marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two nations on regional security issues.
The meeting, which began with a formal ceremony outside the palace, featured ceremonial military honours by the guard of honour and the national anthem of both countries. Minister Jonson and Minister Backes will discuss key areas of mutual interest, including regional security, support to Ukraine, the transatlantic link, and the EU’s White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.
The meeting is significant as it comes ahead of the EU’s annual summit in Brussels, where member states will debate the future of European defence cooperation. The Swedish government has emphasized its commitment to reinforcing transatlantic ties, while Luxembourg has sought to strengthen its partnership with like-minded nations on regional security issues.
In preparation for the meeting, photojournalists are invited to attend the formal ceremony and the beginning of the bilateral discussions. Registration by May 20 is required to participate, with attendees advised to arrive at Karlberg Palace by 9:25 am at the latest to undergo a security check.
Ms Backes will also meet Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson on Friday morning, ahead of her meeting with Minister Jonson.
For information on interviews or coverage opportunities, journalists can contact Press Secretary Johan Hjelmstrand via email.
Key Discussion Points
- Regional security: Strengthening cooperation to address common challenges in the North Atlantic region.
- Support to Ukraine: Ensuring continued support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- The transatlantic link: Deepening ties between Sweden, Luxembourg, and other like-minded nations on transatlantic security.
- The EU’s White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030: Exploring opportunities for greater EU cooperation on defence policy and capabilities.
The meeting marks a significant moment in the evolving partnership between Sweden and Luxembourg, with both countries seeking to strengthen their contributions to regional security and transatlantic stability.