Sweden’s monarchs, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, arrived in Ottawa to a warm reception at Rideau Hall, where a small crowd greeted them with Swedish flags. Canadian officials, including Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, were present to welcome the royal couple, who are embarking on a three-day state visit to Ottawa and Montreal.
During a brief speech outside Rideau Hall, the king emphasized the close and amicable relationship between Sweden and Canada, highlighting shared values and mutual respect. He acknowledged Canada as the first country to approve Sweden’s application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
As a newly inducted member of NATO since last year, Sweden has bolstered its military presence by contributing troops to a Canadian-led brigade stationed in Latvia, in response to Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. King Carl XVI Gustaf underscored the significance of Arctic nations like Sweden and Canada in addressing global challenges and maintaining security in the region.
Substituting for Governor General Mary Simon, Chief Justice Wagner hosted a state dinner for the royal couple at Rideau Hall. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the monarchs, announcing the signing of a strategic partnership encompassing defense, trade, environment, and more, fostering collaboration between Canadian and Swedish industries in sectors such as clean energy, manufacturing, and defense.
The partnership aims to create higher-paying jobs and reinforce supply chains through research cooperation, skill development, and enhanced information exchange. It also prioritizes collective security in the Arctic and Euro-Atlantic regions, aligning with the countries’ shared values and NATO commitments.
In a joint statement, PM Carney and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the strong relationship between their nations, echoing common values and interests. Notable Swedish ministers and business representatives, including Industry Minister Ebba Busch and Defense Minister Pal Jonson, accompanied the royal couple on their visit to Canada.
Busch highlighted the strategic friendship between Sweden and Canada, emphasizing Sweden’s expertise in submarine and fighter jet production, areas of interest as Canada aims to boost its defense capabilities to meet NATO targets. As discussions continue, Swedish defense firm Saab is exploring the possibility of assembling Gripen fighter jets in Canada, potentially generating thousands of jobs.
Industry Minister Melanie Joly expressed the government’s desire to expand industrial benefits from defense contracts, as Saab projects that domestic production could lead to around 10,000 job opportunities in Canada. The ongoing collaboration between Saab and Bombardier underscores the potential for increased aerospace manufacturing within Canada.