Create an account Reset password Already have an account? Log in From now on you can download videos from our website If you would also like to subscribe to the newsletter and receive our latest updates, click on the button below. Enter the email address you registered with and we will send you a code to reset your password. The password must be at least 12 characters long, no spaces, include upper/lowercase letters,...
Create an account Reset password Already have an account? Log in From now on you can download videos from our website If you would also like to subscribe to the newsletter and receive our latest updates, click on the button below. Enter the email address you registered with and we will send you a code to reset your password. The password must be at least 12 characters long, no spaces, include upper/lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Click the button to return to the page you were on and log in with your new password. 21 May 2026 3 MIN READ Thank you so much. Prime Minister, dear Ulf, Thank you for the warm welcome. It's a pleasure to be with you in Sweden, and to be with you here today, and to see what is happening and what you are doing. It's really impressive. I saw first-hand what Sweden's Total Defence Concept is all about, military and civilian conscripts training together to provide search and rescue, emergency care, the transport of wounded civilians, drone detection, to name only a few elements. We also saw the close cooperation between public authorities, emergency services, the armed forces, and also the private sector. It was, and it is, very impressive, and this is what, I believe, resilience looks like. And that is exactly what we need in today's security environment. Defence is not only about armed forces, it is also about keeping society functioning, protecting people, securing critical infrastructure, maintaining supplies. In short, this is about making sure that every part of society is prepared. And Sweden understands very well that security is a whole of society responsibility. Dear Ulf, since joining our alliance only two years ago, Sweden has become stronger, and Sweden has made NATO stronger, with advanced military capabilities, a strong defence industry, world class defence technology, and as we have seen today deep experience with resilience and total defence. Sweden is the framework nation for NATO's Forward Land Forces in Finland, and contributing to the Forward Land Forces in Latvia. This further strengthens our eastern flank and our deterrence and defence posture in the Nordic region. Sweden’s defence industry is a high-tech powerhouse, and I welcome your plans to move quickly to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030. I know you are doing this because it is what today's security environment demands and I hope, of course, that even more Allies follow this accelerated timeline. When it comes to the threats to our society, we know there are many. I commend Sweden for the steps you are taking against Russia's shadow fleet – it was very impressive last night to hear the stories – vessels that help Russia evade sanctions and finance its war of aggression against Ukraine. That matters for Sweden, it matters for the Baltic Sea region, and it matters for the security of all Allies. That is exactly what NATO is for - the security of all Allies. And let there be no mistake - our ability and our resolve to defend every Ally are absolute. Were anyone to be so foolish as to attack, the response would be devastating. Turning to Ukraine, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Sweden has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine. Your military assistance includes tanks, combat vehicles, air defence, advanced weapon systems, ammunition training, and airborne surveillance and control aircraft. You are supporting Ukraine's defence industry, including through the production of long-range drones and missiles, and you are providing direct investment in Ukraine's defence industrial base. I want to thank you. I want to thank Sweden for its contributions to Ukraine, also to PURL – the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List – ensuring rapid delivery of crucial US equipment and munitions to Ukraine. More support is coming through PURL, and I encourage all Allies to keep contributing to this vital initiative. Because supporting Ukraine is not charity, it is an investment in our shared security. Later today and tomorrow, NATO Foreign Ministers will meet in Helsingborg, and indeed this is the first NATO Foreign Ministers meeting hosted by Sweden. There we will prepare the ground for the Ankara summit, including on defence investment, industrial production capabilities, and continued support for Ukraine. In Ankara, we must show that we are making real progress, that we are delivering, that means producing more, strengthening our supply chains and stockpiles, producing faster, and ensuring that our militaries have what they need to deter and defend. And I know I can count on Sweden to continue leading by example and delivering on its commitment. Prime Minister, dear Ulf, thank you for the excellent hospitality, and for Sweden’s steadfast contributions to NATO. Link was copied to clipboard GALLERIES Joint press statements 21 May 2026 1 / 7 Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson Back VIEW METADATA VIEW IMAGE Assets details Description Creation date Location Themes Reference Resolution Aspect radio Format Usage right Credit GALLERIES Joint press statements Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Joint press statements [Opening remarks] Joint press statements - Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs View usage rights Usage rights CLOSE This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Joint press statements [Q&A-01] Joint press statements - Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs View usage rights Usage rights CLOSE This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Joint press statements [Q&A-02] Joint press statements - Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs View usage rights Usage rights CLOSE This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. TITLE DATE DURATION Joint press statements by the NATO Secretary General with the Prime Minister of Sweden 0:00 / 0:00 Audio Language Selection: Audio Language Selection: Download Playback speed Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Download Playback speed Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Back 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden, ahead of the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Helsingborg, Sweden
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