Swedish King and Queen Begin Three-Day Official Visit to Canada

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden arrived in Ottawa for a three-day state visit, strengthening ties between Canada and Sweden across defence, trade, and environmental cooperation.

The Swedish monarch and queen were welcomed at Rideau Hall by a Canadian delegation, including Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. King Carl XVI Gustaf highlighted the countries’ shared values, mutual respect, and Canada’s role as the first nation to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership, following its historic shift from neutrality after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The visit features a state dinner at Rideau Hall, meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney, and discussions on a strategic partnership spanning clean energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, defence, forestry, research, and life sciences. Carney emphasized that the agreement will enhance Arctic and Euro-Atlantic security and create high-paying jobs through joint research, skills development, and stronger supply chains.

Swedish ministers, including Industry Minister Ebba Busch and Defence Minister Pal Jonson, accompanied the royal couple, along with representatives from major Swedish companies. Discussions included potential Canadian assembly of Saab’s Gripen fighter jets, which could generate approximately 10,000 domestic jobs, and cooperation on the Global Eye early warning aircraft.

This visit marks Sweden’s third official state visit to Canada, highlighting the nations’ long-standing diplomatic, economic, and security collaboration.