Madrid, Spain 4 June 2003

Remarks by Ambassador Anders Lidén, Director-General for Political Affairs of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the EAPC Meeting Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, I would like to make just a few remarks: First, the value of the transatlantic link: When threat perceptions change, so must our methods of working together. This is true also for the cooperation across the Atlantic. But let it be clear: the transatlantic link remains indispensable. In this period of rapid change, it provides a crucial element of stability and a framework for dealing with the threats of our time. But, as the recent months have shown, it must be nurtured by a constant dialogue, mindful of the values and ties which bind us together. Second, the Partnership is the indispensable vehicle for military inter-operability. To Sweden, this will become even more crucial as we seek to enhance further our ability to participate in international peace support operations, be it under UN, EU or NATO leadership. In this context, I welcome current efforts to increase Partners' opportunities to participate in the planning and carrying out of advanced exercises. As for our co-operation in the field, Sweden is now preparing to take on the lead for one of the multinational brigades in KFOR. We are also looking forward to continuing our close co-operation with Allies and Partners in Afghanistan as NATO now takes on a leading role for ISAF. We see a new NATO. And a new Partnership. Thirdly, since Prague, NATO has initiatied work to strengthen its ability to handle the threat from terrorism and from weapons of mass destruction. These are areas which hold great potential also for partnership co-operation. The Action Plan Against Terrorism adopted in Prague provides the framework. To lay the ground for further co-operation in this field, Sweden this autumn will host a seminar in Stockholm on civilian and force protection against weapons of mass destruction. Finally, the immediate task before us is to implement the Prague decisions in a systematic and determined fashion. We already have the conceptual framework. Now we need to put it into practice. A renewed focus on this challenge will be needed in the coming months, and a full report should be prepared for the Autumn Ministerials, as confirmed by the NAC communique of yesterday. Allies and Partners, in our view, must continue to assume mutual responsibility for our Partnership. The development of the partnership should go hand in hand with the development of NATO. Obviously, the Euro-Atlantic partnership should also develop in parallel with the strategic relationship between the EU and NATO. Thank you.