Ulf Kristersson receives Lithuania’s Prime Minister
Published
On Tuesday 22 April, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hosted a bilateral meeting with Lithuania’s Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas at Sager House. The meeting was followed by a joint press conference at Rosenbad.
During their meeting at Sager House, Mr Kristersson and Mr Paluckas discussed topics such as defence cooperation, transatlantic security, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and European competitiveness.
Enhanced defence cooperation between Sweden and Lithuania
Sweden has good and close relations with Lithuania, which is an important cooperation partner within the framework of both NATO and the EU. In November 2024, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Lithuania’s then Minister of National Defence signed a Letter of Intent on enhanced defence cooperation. On Tuesday, Mr Kristersson and Mr Paluckas discussed further steps to strengthen security and defence cooperation between Sweden and Lithuania.
One area of focus is a potential coordinated acquisition of CV90 combat vehicles between Sweden, Lithuania, Finland and Norway. With the CV90 in almost every Nordic and Baltic country, the Government sees opportunities for stronger joint defence and improved interoperability and security of supplies.
“Boosting our defence today is an investment in our freedom tomorrow. The Government sees major benefits in a coordinated acquisition of CV90, as this will speed up deliveries, reduce costs and benefit our defence industry ties. A Statement of Intent on CV90 cooperation is currently being drafted, and Sweden looks forward to taking this concrete step forward in strengthening our joint security,” says Mr Kristersson.
In conjunction with the visit, Mr Kristersson and Mr Paluckas held a joint press conference. To watch the press conference, click the link under ‘Shortcuts’.
Shortcuts
You can watch the press conference here.