The talks will be about how France's national nuclear arsenal could contribute to a clearer common European deterrence so that no foreign power even thinks about trying to attack us, Kristersson says in a video statement.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that he wants to initiate an in-depth dialogue on nuclear deterrence. Sweden is participating in the dialogue, which involves several other countries, including Denmark, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. France already cooperates with nuclear-armed Great Britain.
France has prepared the talks in dialogue with the US and NATO, Kristersson emphasizes.
This initiative can help complement the collective capabilities in our part of the world.
Swedish stance
Sweden's nuclear weapons doctrine, which was formulated when we joined NATO, is not changing.
It rests on the principle that we fully participate in all NATO planning, including planning concerning nuclear weapons. But in peacetime we see no reason to have nuclear weapons on Swedish soil, the Prime Minister says.
Sweden also upholds the international non-proliferation treaty, Ulf Kristersson emphasizes.
We do not want more countries to acquire their own nuclear weapons.
Dialogue with S and SD
The basis for Sweden's nuclear deterrence capability is NATO membership, ultimately Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, Kristersson emphasizes, saying that it stands "strong and unshaken."
The government has held a dialogue with Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson and Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Åkesson ahead of the announcement to France. The Prime Minister has also held several talks with ÖB.
The government has also informed and discussed the issue with the Nordic and Baltic countries.
The talks that will now begin aim to strengthen Swedish and European security in an uncertain time.
