"US and Sweden Strengthen Defense Cooperation with New Agreement"

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson to discuss defense and security issues, including the situation in Europe and support for Ukraine. They signed the first-ever U.S.-Sweden Defense Cooperation Agreement, which establishes conditions for enhanced defense cooperation, including the legal status of U.S. military personnel and access to deployment areas in Sweden. Secretary Austin expressed support for Sweden's NATO membership and urged its accession as soon as possible.