Sweden does not see NATO application necessary, as it increases military tensions

Sweden's Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said he supports efforts by individual states to build their armies and boost co-operation, but also believes that, in terms of Sweden, membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is not necessary.

The best strategy right now is to develop each country's military capabilities, deepen bilateral and multilateral co-operation... In the event of NATO membership application, regional tensions will increase”, Hultqvist told the Japanese newspaper “Asahi”, Periscopi broadcast.

Hultqvist stressed that there was no need for <x0-piperials” to prove safety./Periscopi/