Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson at the Pentagon on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
The high-level meeting comes as Sweden ramps up military spending following its recent accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs Sean Parnell provided details of the December 5 meeting. The leaders exchanged views on regional security challenges affecting both nations.
Hegseth praised Sweden’s leadership in boosting defense expenditures. He also commended Stockholm’s serious approach to its responsibilities in European collective defense.
The meeting marks continued engagement between Washington and its newest NATO ally. Sweden joined the alliance in March 2024 after decades of neutrality.
Both officials explored opportunities to deepen U.S.-Sweden military partnerships. The discussion covered various bilateral defense cooperation mechanisms currently under development.
The Pentagon meeting reflects broader U.S. efforts to strengthen transatlantic security ties. European allies face pressure to increase defense contributions amid evolving threats.