Finnish president making first state visit to Sweden, with focus on defence, security
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Susanne Innes-Stubb are planning to make a state visit to Sweden later this month, at the invitation of Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, according to a press release from the president’s office.
The visit’s aim is to continue strengthening cooperation between the neighbouring Nordic countries “in the current security policy context, both bilaterally and as members of Nato”, the release stated.
The two countries applied to join Nato in May 2022. Finland became a member just over a year ago, while Sweden officially joined last month.
The two-day visit is scheduled to begin on 23 April, when Stubb and his spouse will be welcomed by members of the royal family. Then the president is to visit the Swedish Parliament where he will meet Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlén and then deliver an address to MPs.
The presidential couple will then meet and attend a luncheon hosted by King Gustaf. Later in the day Stubb is scheduled to meet with Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson to discuss topics including the support of Ukraine as well as preparations for an upcoming Nato Summit in Washington. A press conference is scheduled after their meeting.
The following day, Stubb heads to the University of Gothenburg, where he is due to give a speech and talk with students, among other activities.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) and Minister of Education Anna-Maja Henriksson (SPP) are scheduled to join the president on the state visit, according to the release.
Former president Sauli Niinistö made the last state visit to Sweden in 2022.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: U.S. report claims Trudeau told NATO Canada will never meet military spending target, CBC News
Denmark: Danish policy prioritizes low-conflict Arctic amidst Russian tensions, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Defence chief: Finland may permanently host Nato troops, Yle News
Iceland: Iceland authorizes U.S. submarine service visits, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Russian jamming disrupting GPS signals for Norwegian aviation almost daily, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: As NATO forces move north for exercise, Northern Fleet sails out frigates, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Swedish forces exercise in northern Norway as country officially joins NATO, Reuters
United States: U.S. nominates Alaskan as first Arctic ambassador, Eye on the Arctic
