Brunssum, The Netherlands – The Swedish Minister for Defence, Dr. Pål Jonson, paid a visit to Headquarters Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS). He was accompanied by the Swedish Ambassador to The Netherlands, His Excellency Johannes Oljelund.
Sweden will bring a wealth of experience and capabilities to the Alliance, and we are excited to work together to strengthen our security.
Minister Jonson and his delegation was warmly welcomed by the Commander of JFCBS, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, who expressed his sincere hopes that this visit will be the last by a Defence Minister for Sweden as a non NATO country.
General Miglietta: “It is a great pleasure to welcome our distinguished guests from Sweden to NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum. This is a historic visit that marks a new chapter in our cooperation in the light of the Country’s incoming accession. Sweden will bring a wealth of experience and capabilities to the Alliance, and we are excited to work together to strengthen our security.”
During the visit, Minister Jonson and Ambassador Oljelund met with senior staff of JFC Brunssum, the discussions focusing on strengthening the cooperation between Sweden and NATO.
The well-developed cooperation between Sweden and the Alliance and its continuingly evolving strategic partnership is symbolised – among other things – by the fact that Swedish officers are working full-time at HQ JFC Brunssum. In addition, in all major NATO exercises conducted in Northern Europe, Sweden participates as a NATO partner nation. The country has formidable Armed Forces living up to highest NATO standards and will, as a full member, significantly strengthen the defensive posture of the Alliance in the Baltic Sea Region.
Concluding the visit, Minister Jonson said: “With the brutal war of Russia against Ukraine continuing, the Baltic Sea Region gains particular importance for the defence of the Western Alliance. Sweden stands ready to contribute to NATO’s deterrence and the defence of our common values as a member of the Alliance.”