Norway and Sweden’s prime ministers meet
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre meets his Swedish counterpart Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in Stockholm today. Relationships between
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre meets his Swedish counterpart Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson in Stockholm today.
The relations between the two Scandinavian nations are historically narrow. This meeting strengthens cooperation between countries on issues including border policy, security and the transition to green economies. However, the meeting will prioritize defense cooperation.
Unlike Norway, Sweden maintains a long-standing policy of neutrality from international alliances and is not a member of NATO. Recent Russian actions in the Baltic Sea and Ukraine have, however, brought Sweden closer to NATO. In January, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Ann Linde reminded the world that Sweden retains the opportunity to formally join NATO. These remarks frustrated Russian officials concerned about NATO’s eastward expansion.
The bilateral meeting today offers another opportunity for Sweden to explore increased cooperation with NATO members. Given Russia’s response to NATO’s deployments in Eastern Europe, expect Russia to consider strengthening its defense in the Baltic Sea. Russian forces are likely to concentrate within the Kaliningrad Oblast enclave, a strategically important area bordering exclusively on NATO member states. Further stance from Russia will create another hotspot between Russia and the West.
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