Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia landed in Ottawa on Tuesday morning to a warm reception at Rideau Hall, where a small group of spectators greeted them with Swedish flags. Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand were part of the Canadian entourage that welcomed the royal couple, who are embarking on a three-day state visit covering Ottawa and Montreal.
Expressing mutual respect and shared values, the king emphasized the strong and friendly partnership between Sweden and Canada, with a special mention of Canada being the first nation to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership application. Following its recent NATO accession in response to the Ukraine conflict, Sweden bolstered its military presence by contributing troops to a Canadian-led brigade in Latvia.
Highlighting the importance of Arctic cooperation, Carl XVI Gustaf stressed the critical role both nations play in addressing global issues and maintaining security in the region. Due to Governor General Mary Simon’s absence, Chief Justice Wagner hosted a state dinner for the royal couple at Rideau Hall.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, a strategic partnership agreement was signed between the two countries, encompassing various sectors such as defense, trade, and environmental initiatives. The partnership aims to foster collaboration between Canadian and Swedish industries in areas like clean energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, defense, and life sciences, creating employment opportunities and enhancing supply chains.
The joint statement from Carney and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the shared values and interests that underpin the close relationship between the two countries. Notable Swedish government officials and business representatives, including Industry Minister Ebba Busch and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, have accompanied the royal couple on their Canadian visit.
Acknowledging Sweden’s expertise in submarine and fighter jet production, Minister Busch emphasized the strategic significance of aligning with Canada, which is ramping up defense spending to meet NATO targets and enhance military capabilities. Saab, a leading Swedish defense firm, is exploring the possibility of assembling Gripen fighter jets in Canada, a move that could potentially generate thousands of jobs.
In response to concerns over industrial benefits from the Lockheed Martin F-35A deal, Industry Minister Melanie Joly stated that Saab has proposed creating around 10,000 jobs in Canada through aircraft production. Saab’s collaboration with Bombardier and plans for increased manufacturing in Canada signal a promising partnership that could further strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
