Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called the new Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson today to congratulate him on his new role. Secretary Austin also offered his full support to Sweden's bid for NATO membership, and thanked Sweden for its support to Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion. Minister Jonson thanked Secretary Austin for his support, reviewed his priorities as Minister of Defense, and added that he hopes to continue the strong U.S.-Sweden bilateral defense relationship.