In a conversation with his Swedish counterpart Henrik Landerholm, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the United States' endorsement for Sweden's quick integration into NATO.
"This has been an important priority for POTUS. Sweden is a strong, capable defense partner whose membership in NATO will make the US and the Alliance safer and stronger," Sullivan said on the X platform.
The dialogue between Sullivan and Landerholm extended beyond NATO expansion, covering issues like support for Ukraine, the recent attacks by Yemeni rebels in the Red Sea, and the urgent need to boost humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Sweden's path to NATO membership has not been without its challenges, facing delays partly due to negotiations over Turkey's acquisition of F-16 aircraft and modernization kits. While the US administration has officially denied any direct linkage between these two issues, an administration official hinted to Polish state news agency PAP that a decision regarding the aircraft sale might be anticipated in the coming weeks.
With Turkey's approval secured, Hungary remains the sole NATO member yet to ratify Sweden's membership. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent invitation to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for negotiations on joining NATO indicates potential progress on this front.
In response to questions about Hungary's stance, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby pointed out Hungary's earlier commitment to not interfere with the process while carefully avoiding making any statements on behalf of the Hungarian government.
Source: PAP