10 Sep. 2004

Visit to Sweden focuses on partnership Background The Euro-Atlantic Partnership News 08/09/2004 - NATO Secretary General to visit Finland and Sweden Opinion 10/09/2004 “NATO After The Istanbul Summit” - Speech by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs Stockholm, Sweden During a one-day visit to NATO partner country Sweden on 10 September, NATO Secretary General De Hoop Scheffer said the Alliance was seeking to involve interested partners more closely in NATO’s activities and operations. This could include participation in the NATO Response Force and greater representation at NATO Headquarters and other Alliance bodies, he said in a speech at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. “That is the main message that I have wanted to convey here today,” Mr. De Hoop Scheffer said, “Profound appreciation for your many valuable contributions to date, and a strong encouragement to continue working together in the future.” Valuable contributions During the visit, the Secretary General met with Prime Minister Goran Persson, Foreign Minister Leila Freivalds and Defence Minister Leni Bjorklund and members of parliament. The meetings focused on possible future partnership activities and the key issues on NATO’s agenda today. The Secretary General praised Sweden’s decision to increase its contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Sweden is reinforcing its presence in the north of Afghanistan, and making available a C-130 transport plane, while keeping its deployment in Kabul up to strength. He said also that he hoped Sweden would contribute to the new Partnership Action Plan on Defence Institution Building, launched in Istanbul. This initiative is aimed at helping less developed partner countries to better manage their defence structures.