Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the declaration of intent in connection with the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg on Friday. The intention is that it will be immediately translated into a detailed agreement.
In connection with the signing, Malmer Stenergard and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) had a private meeting with Rubio.
The US has so far signed similar agreements only with Japan, South Korea and the UK, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The hope from the Swedish side is that it will give Swedish companies increased access to advanced American technology. For the US, the stated aim is the same with regard to Swedish cutting-edge technology.
The declaration of intent will now be followed by negotiations on a non-binding agreement. In addition to AI, the development of future mobile networks, space research, defense technology and quantum technology are also covered.
Both Sweden and the US submitted proposals for items to include in the framework for increased technological cooperation, but some proposals were dropped. According to Foreign Ministry sources, some of the US proposals were not relevant to Sweden because they were not considered to benefit Swedish interests.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that it has been important for Sweden that the agreement does not conflict with EU rules or in any way go beyond what Sweden must adhere to as a member of the EU.
