Doha: HE Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden Dr. Pal Jonson emphasized his country’s openness to enhancing cooperation with the State of Qatar in the security and defense fields according to the needs of the two countries, which may be linked to the air, maritime, and cybersecurity fields, noting that the two countries have completed the first step to embody this cooperation by signing a letter of intent for military cooperation concluded a few weeks ago.
In special remarks to Qatar News Agency , HE the Minister said that the recent visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Stockholm yielded several agreements that contribute to deepening bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian, development, peace, land transport and logistics fields, social development and family support, and a letter of intent for military cooperation. He stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in various fields after this step.
His Excellency indicated that the State of Qatar an
d the Kingdom of Sweden are two countries living in volatile areas due to the conflicts that occurred recently during the witnessed difficult circumstances, but these challenges are only a means to enhance the commitment to invest in security to live in peace. He noted that the State of Qatar is a true partner of NATO, as it has made great efforts to maintain the security and safety of Ukraine, in addition to the diplomatic efforts it provides in mediating to resolve conflicts, including the evacuation of several Swedish citizens from Afghanistan, in addition to the prisoner exchange deal in Iran, which are great efforts that are based on forming a solid foundation to deepen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Regarding his current visit to Doha, HE Dr. Pal Jonson said that he attended the opening ceremony of the Milipol Qatar 2024 Exhibition and Conference, where he visited several Swedish companies participating in the exhibition, such as Axis and Saab. He indicated that these companies have act
ive technologies, in addition to their habit of working in long-term partnerships, and their work on transferring modern technology, especially since this is a model in which the Kingdom of Sweden is involved, particularly in the fields of security and defense.
HE the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden pointed out that Sweden is at the forefront of digitalization and is one of the first to adopt new technologies, indicating that digitalization is of great importance to achieve the largest number of goals to enhance security in Sweden.
In the same context, His Excellency said that the Kingdom of Sweden is managing a new cyber operations center, in light of the existence of a new cyber security strategy, noting that work is ongoing and close with the government agency and the Swedish research institute to provide new advanced technology in the field of cyber security.
HE the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden pointed out that Sweden has a unique defense industrial base, and has the abilit
y to design fighter aircraft, highly advanced airborne sensors, artillery systems, submarines, and surface ships, and is always looking for positive partnerships as it is able to provide long-term partnerships and cooperation on technology and innovation.
Concluding his statements to QNA, HE Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden Dr. Pal Jonson stressed Sweden’s strong focus on the sustainability project, confronting climate change and achieving the United Nations’ sustainability goals, noting that the Swedish Armed Forces are also working hard to combat climate change as reducing the carbon footprint reflects an important positive and healthy state on the defense and security industries and other fields in general.
Source: Qatar News Agency