Ahead of Sweden’s decision on NATO membership, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersen on Wednesday announced a defense and mutual security agreement in the event of aggression.
“If Sweden is attacked and turns to us for support, we will give it to them,” the head of the British government said at a joint news conference in Sweden. Boris Johnson is due to sign a similar deal with Finland during a visit to Helsinki late on Wednesday, according to his cabinet.
Magdalena Anderson said, “If one of the two countries is faced with a disaster or attack, the United Kingdom and Sweden will assist each other in a number of ways (…), including by military means.”
Nordic countries concerned about their security
Concerned about Russia’s response to NATO membership expected in the coming days, the two Nordic countries (Sweden and Finland) are seeking bilateral security assurances during the period between their candidacy and their formal entry into the Atlantic Alliance, which includes several periods. May take months.
According to the leaders of both countries, there have been discussions especially with the major powers of the alliance (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany). The “Political Declaration of Solidarity” signed Wednesday with London is the first formal agreement publicly announced.
AFP/APS
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