Speech Minister of Defence Statement of Intent

Your Majesties, Ladies and gentlemen,

We meet at a time of great disruption.
But also at a time of great determination.
A strong sense of unity has arisen among the European Union and its allies.
And Ukraine can count on our full support.
Because Putin’s actions go against everything the EU and its allies stand for.
So we must remain united to protect what we value.
Sweden and the Netherlands already participate in such partnerships.
For example, when it comes to mutual security, in the Joint Expeditionary Force.
It’s only recently that we spoke about our response following the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines.
I would also like to mention our cooperation in Mali, during operation MINUSMA.
It was greatly appreciated that Sweden provided the Dutch C-130 detachment a safe place to operate from by keeping its support going earlier this year.
Needless to say, I look forward to further strengthening our long-standing bilateral partnership;
I welcome Sweden’s upcoming NATO-membership;
I look forward to Sweden’s EU-presidency;
And, of course, I congratulate both our armed forces with the statement that we will sign today.
This statement clearly demonstrates the intent of our armed forces to enhance their cooperation.
Not only in operational or educational domains;
But also when it comes to harnessing materiel cooperation opportunities, like we already do with our CV90s. The Netherlands and Sweden, as well as numerous allied nations, have a lot to offer within the high-tech defence and security sector.
We should want to make further use of that.

Your Majesties, Ladies and gentlemen,

I’m sure that we’re off to a great start.
Next week, Sweden’s Chief of Defence, General Micael Bydén, will visit Netherlands Chief of Defence, General Onno Eichelsheim.
It goes without saying that we will welcome him with the same hospitality that we have received here.
For your warm welcome, I would like to say thank you to your majesties and to the prime minister - and send my thanks to all who made this statement possible.
Sweden and the Netherlands have worked side by side many times throughout history. And I trust that we will continue to work together, and count on each other, in the future.