Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasised the defence dimension at the centre of the new framework. “Canada and Sweden enjoy a close relationship, based on shared interests and values. We are transatlantic partners, NATO Allies and like-minded Arctic nations. The Strategic Partnership will contribute to strengthening our security and economic ties, and will foster collaboration in innovation and research, not least in the green and digital transition. In today’s increasingly challenging environment, cooperation between like-minded countries is more important than ever,” says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The partnership, signed by Mr Kristersson and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, strengthens the political basis for joint work on shared security challenges. It is designed to reinforce both countries’ ability to respond to geopolitical pressures in the Euro-Atlantic and Arctic regions.
A key component of the agreement is enhanced military and strategic cooperation. Sweden and Canada will intensify joint political, military and economic support for Ukraine, reflecting their commitment to European and transatlantic security.
The two governments will also launch an expanded strategic dialogue on security and defence. This includes cooperation on societal resilience, civil preparedness and the Swedish total defence concept, which aims to integrate military and civilian capabilities.
Arctic cooperation forms another core pillar of the security agenda. As Arctic nations, Sweden and Canada plan to strengthen coordination in a region of growing military and strategic importance.
While the partnership spans several policy areas, both countries underline that defence cooperation will drive early implementation. They expect closer industrial, technological and operational links to support security objectives and reinforce deterrence.
The Strategic Partnership is designed as a long-term political commitment. Swedish and Canadian officials say that as the agreement is implemented, defence cooperation will continue to evolve and generate concrete results.
