Swedish king meets NATO secretary general Rutte
King Carl XVI Gustaf visits NATO headquarters in Brussels and meets Secretary General Mark Rutte. The meeting focuses on Sweden's role in the alliance following the country's accession. It is the king's first visit to NATO after membership.
King Carl XVI Gustaf arrived in Brussels on Wednesday for an official visit to NATO headquarters. During the day, he met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a meeting that lasted about one hour. According to Aftonbladet, discussions covered Sweden's contributions to alliance security and Nordic cooperation within NATO.
The king, representing Sweden on a symbolic level, emphasized the importance of a strong transatlantic link. 'Sweden's membership strengthens NATO's unity and our common defense policy', the king said in a statement after the meeting. Rutte welcomed the visit and commented: 'Sweden is a valuable partner with unique expertise in the Baltic Sea region. We look forward to continued cooperation.'
The background to the visit is Sweden's entry into NATO in March 2024, after years of negotiations due to the security situation in Europe. This is the first official meeting between the king and Rutte since the Dutch politician took office as secretary general in October 2024. The king was accompanied by a small Swedish entourage, including representatives from the Foreign Ministry.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing challenges for NATO, such as Russia's aggression in Ukraine. No specific agreements were signed, but the talks were described as constructive. The visit underscores Sweden's commitments as a new member and the king's role in international diplomacy.
After the meeting, the king continued with a short program at the headquarters, including a tour of the facilities.