US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed security issues in Europe and Sweden’s application for NATO membership with his Swedish counterpart Peter Holtquist.

In this regard, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, after the talks between the two ministers in Washington, noted that they “discussed the stability of bilateral relations in the field of defense and the historic decision of the Swedish government to seek NATO membership.” He explained that the two ministers “emphasized the importance of security and stability in Europe and transatlantic unity”, noting that the situation in Ukraine was also on the negotiating table between the two ministers.

Prior to the talks, the US Secretary of Defense confirmed Washington’s support for Sweden’s request for NATO membership, noting that Sweden has always participated in joint military exercises with US and NATO forces, and that Sweden’s capabilities are important to NATO, and the Alliance’s accession to NATO will strengthen its defense capability.