Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visits Sweden

Background NATO’s relations with Sweden The Military Committee

General Ray Henault, Chairman of the Military Committee, speaks to Swedish media during his official visit to Sweden, 9-11 April, with the Minister of Defence, Mr. Sten Tolgfors, and the Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, Gen. Haken Syren looking on. @ Photo: Torbjörn F Gustafsson Swedish Armed Forces - Combat Camera

General Ray Henault, Chairman of the Military Committee, paid an official visit to Sweden, 9-11 April 2008, where he met with senior political and military officials to discuss ways to enhance cooperation with this important partner nation.

"Sweden is a key partner, and its contribution to NATO ' s operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo is very much appreciated by the Allies, " said Gen. Henault. " With more than 350 troops in Afghanistan and the same number in Kosovo, Sweden is one of the largest contributing non-NATO nations."

In addition to passing on NATO ' s gratitude, Gen. Henault used his visit to enhance cooperation with Sweden, by discussing ways the Alliance can be more inclusive and accessible when it comes to shaping military operations, such as the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF.

The Chairman met with the Minister of Defence, Mr. Sten Tolgfors, as well as several other Government officials, including the Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, Gen. Haken Syren who hosted the Chairman ' s visit.

The discussions with the senior officials centered around Afghanistan and how to improve consultation with partner countries who are contributing troops to ISAF.
" Afghanistan is NATO ' s number one operational priority and if the Alliance wants to encourage more non-NATO military support for ISAF, like that of Sweden, then NATO will have to build on the cooperation that was evident at the Bucharest Summit, " added Gen. Henault.

The visit also allowed the Chairman to witness the significant amount of transformation that is being undertaken by the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as the leadership role it is playing with its Nordic Partners.