česky  english 

Advanced search
na_celou_sirku
Photo: MZV ČR
Article notification Print Decrease font size Increase font size

Minister Jan Lipavský expressed support for Sweden joining NATO

During his visit to Sweden on June 2, 2022, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský confirmed Sweden's full support for their entry into NATO, including the Czech Republic's readiness to sign the Accession Protocols. The ministers discussed current developments in Ukraine and unanimously condemned Russia's aggression. Minister Lipavský presented his partners with the Czech Republic's priorities for the EU presidency.

At a meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, the head of Czech diplomacy emphasized support for Sweden's entry into NATO. "Sweden, like Finland, is a developed western country that will strengthen NATO with the high quality of its armed forces and its important location," said Minister Lipavský.

One of the main topics of the meeting in Sweden was also the coordination of the procedure within the framework of the EU presidency and the discussion of the priorities of both countries. Sweden is a member of our presidency trio and takes over the presidency after the Czech Republic. The ministers condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine and agreed on the need to maintain unity among Western states. Currently, it is necessary to support Ukraine, both in the political, humanitarian and military spheres. Steps to reconstruct Ukraine are also being prepared. "Russia has achieved the exact opposite of what it wanted. Countries in its neighborhood want to join NATO and the EU, and some are abandoning their traditional neutrality," said Lipavský. "We must isolate Russia as long as Putin's troops are on Ukrainian soil," he added.

Minister Lipavský expressed to Ann Linde the interest of the Czech Republic in strengthening mutual economic relations. Sweden is one of the most important export partners of the Czech Republic among the Scandinavian countries. Last year, the turnover of the trade balance was approximately CZK 115 billion. Both countries hope that trade will increase.

As part of his visit to Sweden, Minister Lipavský also met with the Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swedish Parliament, Hans Wallmark. One of the discussion points was the priorities of the Czech Republic within the framework of the EU Council presidency, including the enlargement of the union.