Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia landed in Ottawa on Tuesday morning, receiving a warm welcome at Rideau Hall from a small group of spectators waving Swedish flags. Among the Canadian officials present were Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, as part of the welcoming delegation for the royal couple’s three-day state visit that includes stops in Ottawa and Montreal.
Expressing mutual admiration, the king highlighted the strong partnership between Sweden and Canada, emphasizing shared values and respect. He acknowledged Canada’s prompt support by being the first country to approve Sweden’s NATO membership application. Following Sweden’s recent NATO accession in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the country bolstered its presence in a Canadian-led brigade in Latvia.
Emphasizing their roles as Arctic nations, King Carl XVI Gustaf stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges and ensuring regional security. In the absence of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, Chief Justice Richard Wagner hosted a state dinner for the royal couple at Rideau Hall.
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the king and queen, announcing the signing of a strategic partnership agreement encompassing defense, trade, and environmental cooperation. The partnership aims to connect Canadian and Swedish industries in various sectors such as clean energy, critical minerals, defense, and life sciences, fostering economic growth and enhancing security in the Arctic and Euro-Atlantic regions.
A joint statement from Carney and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson underscored the close ties between the two nations based on shared interests and values. Industry Minister Ebba Busch, along with top Swedish officials and representatives from numerous Swedish companies, joined the royal couple in Canada, expressing confidence in the strategic alliance and emphasizing Sweden’s commitment to Canada.
Saab, a leading Swedish defense firm, was in the running to replace Canada’s CF-18 fighter jets, ultimately losing out to Lockheed Martin. Amid considerations to assemble Gripen fighter jets in Canada, Saab is in discussions with Bombardier and the Canadian government to potentially create thousands of jobs. Industry Minister Melanie Joly highlighted the government’s aim to boost local job creation through partnerships like these, with Saab indicating the potential to generate around 10,000 jobs in Canada.
Overall, the visit of Sweden’s royal family underscores the deepening relationship between Canada and Sweden, marked by shared values, economic cooperation, and mutual security interests.