Sweden, USEUCOM solidify military-to-military bonds during Stuttgart staff talks

The Swedish Armed Forces and USEUCOM have long been mutual members of the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable, a flag-and-general-officer level, military-to-military forum designed to promote regional understanding and enhance multilateral security cooperation in the High North. ASFR is the longest running military forum focused on the Arctic’s uniquely challenging security dynamics.

“Sweden is an invaluable NATO Ally and its armed forces an all-important friend to U.S. European Command,” Maj. Gen. Lasica

By U.S. European Command Public Affairs , United States European Command Stuttgart, Germany Jul 03, 2024

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As NATO’s senior-most leaders prepare to converge in Washington, D.C., next week for the NATO Summit – a moment marking the Alliance’s 75th anniversary – senior defense officials from U.S. European Command and NATO’s newest member, Sweden, met in Stuttgart, Germany, July 3, 2024, for bilateral military staff talks.

Led by Swedish Armed Forces’ Maj. Gen. Johan Pekkari, director of strategic plans and policy, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, USEUCOM’s director for plans, policy, strategy and capabilities, the Swedish and American military delegations discussed a full range of issues – from bilateral security cooperation and military exercise and training opportunities to NATO convergence and respective operational and policy strategies.

The daylong discussions and briefings represented the first formal military staff talks between the two nations since Sweden became NATO’s 32nd and newest member nation in March. The talks also closely follow the Swedish parliament’s recent ratification of the formal Defense Cooperation Agreement with the U.S., which will enable enhanced future security cooperation between the two NATO Allies.

“Sweden is an invaluable NATO Ally and its armed forces an all-important friend to U.S. European Command,” said Lasica, who hosted the Swedish delegation. “Their commitment to collective security, advanced capabilities and seamless cooperation significantly enhances our joint operational readiness and strategic stability in the region. Together, we are stronger and better prepared to face any challenge.”

The Swedish Armed Forces and USEUCOM have long been mutual members of the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable (ASFR), a flag-and-general-officer level, military-to-military forum designed to promote regional understanding and enhance multilateral security cooperation in the High North. ASFR is the longest running military forum focused on the Arctic’s uniquely challenging security dynamics.

Swedish and American forces also are two of the most active militaries training and exercising in the High North to maintain security and stability in the critically-important Arctic region.

“After more than 200 years of military non-alignment, Sweden now stands proudly alongside the 31 other nations of the world’s most effective, most powerful Alliance in history,” Pekkari, a Swedish Army general, said. “While our nation enjoyed 30 years as a close NATO partner, standing here today as a full-fledged member nation represents a new paradigm for our nation and for NATO: NATO is stronger; Sweden is safer; and the entire Alliance is more secure.”

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