London Thanasis Gavos
The United Kingdom and Sweden have signed a declaration of mutual solidarity that even provides for military assistance from one country to the other in the event that either of them is attacked by a foreign power.
The declaration was signed at noon by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his counterpart Magdalena Anderson at the latter’s official holiday home in Harpsund.
The British leader spoke in joint statements with Ms Anderson about a “historic” declaration of security co-operation that would bring the two countries even closer. The declaration envisions, as Mr Johnson said, “more exchange of security information, enhancement of our military exercises and further joint development of technologies.”
Asked what kind of aid he would provide to Sweden if attacked, Boris Johnson replied: “The declaration makes it clear: it is at Sweden’s request that the United Kingdom will certainly provide assistance. “What matters most is what Sweden decides to ask for.”
Asked again what help London would provide if Sweden were attacked without joining NATO, the British prime minister said that in the event of an attack or disaster in Sweden, “the UK will come to Sweden’s aid with whatever Sweden asks”. He clarified that this is a long-term commitment and not a short-term measure.
Ms Anderson said that if one of the two countries was attacked by a third country, then help would be provided by the other “in a variety of ways”, including military support.
The Swedish prime minister added that Vladimir Putin had warned that Russia would react if its country applied for NATO membership, but did not specify what form this reaction would take. “Tensions in this part of Europe have increased in recent years given Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” she said. Anderson.
Mr Johnson’s visit comes on the eve of Stockholm’s decision to apply for membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, which, as the British leader put it, “is up to Sweden”. London has said it supports the right of every sovereign state to decide on its future in the face of external threats.
This applies to both Sweden and Finland, which Boris Johnson will visit in the afternoon. There he will sign a corresponding declaration of solidarity with his counterpart Sana Marin.
In a statement from Harpsund, the British Prime Minister also said that Putin’s “bloodthirsty” operation against a sovereign nation had put an end to the hope of maintaining peace in Europe, noting that this hope had been created after a victory in World War II. A war that had been secured in part by the bravery of the Russian people.
He called it a “sad irony” that EU leaders were being forced to discuss the best way to strengthen their common defense “against the empty arrogance of a 21st century tyrant”.
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