Travel to Sweden, Norway, and Finland, May 29-June 2, 2023

Summary

• Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Sweden, Norway, and Finland from May 29 to June 2 to deepen transatlantic cooperation on top national security and economic priorities.

• Secretary Blinken traveled to Luleå, Sweden May 29-31, where he co-chaired, together with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Tai, the fourth meeting of the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council to accelerate the global clean tech transition, hold Russia accountable and support Ukraine, and increase trade and technology cooperation. He also met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström.

• From May 31-June 1, Secretary Blinken was in Oslo, Norway, where he participated in an informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs to discuss preparations for the July NATO Summit in Vilnius, support for Ukraine, and other Transatlantic priorities with Allies and invitee Sweden. He also met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.

• On June 1-2, Secretary Blinken was in Helsinki, Finland, where he highlighted our strong bilateral relationship with our newest NATO Ally. On Friday, the Secretary met with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. Additionally on Friday, the Secretary gave a speech in Helsinki to highlight all the ways in which Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been a strategic failure, and our continued efforts to support Ukraine’s defense of its territory, sovereignty, and democracy in pursuit of a just and durable peace.