Strengthened partnership between United Kingdom and Sweden

“With this partnership, we are deepening our cooperation on defence and security, which will now include collaboration on counterterrorism and defence materiel exports. This strengthens our relations with an important security policy partner, and is of great importance to overall security in Europe,” says Mr Kristersson.

The signing of the strategic partnership comes off the back of Mr Kristersson’s visit to London on 19 June. During the visit, Mr Kristersson and Mr Sunak agreed to draft and sign a strategic bilateral partnership agreement by the end of the year. 

The UK is an important trade partner and ally on international issues. Through partnership, Sweden and the UK further strengthen their strong cooperation on security and defence, which includes collaboration on counterterrorism and defence materiel exports. This strengthens Sweden’s relations with an important security partner, which is important to overall security in Europe. 

The strategic partnership applies to a large number of areas where Sweden and the UK see the benefits of increased cooperation, such as innovation, research, green transition and trade and investments. The two countries will also continue to cooperate on international issues such as support to Ukraine and the importance of a rules-based world order.

The strategic partnership with the UK is a political declaration of intent in line with Sweden’s obligations under EU law.

Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom and Sweden