OTTAWA — King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden arrived in Ottawa on Tuesday morning, greeted by a crowd of supporters waving Swedish flags at Rideau Hall. The royal couple is on a three-day state visit that includes stops in the national capital and Montreal.

During a brief speech outside Rideau Hall, King Carl XVI Gustaf emphasized the strong partnership between Sweden and Canada, stating, "Our nations share a close and friendly partnership grounded in common values and mutual respect." He highlighted Canada as the first country to ratify Sweden's application to join NATO, which Sweden officially became a member of early last year. This move marked a significant shift from Sweden's long-standing policy of neutrality, prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The king noted that Sweden has contributed troops to a Canadian-led brigade stationed in Latvia, reinforcing NATO's eastern flank. "As Arctic nations, we share a vital role in addressing our global challenges in the region and keeping it secure," he added.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner, representing Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who is recovering from an illness, welcomed the royal couple. Wagner is set to host a state dinner for them at Rideau Hall on Tuesday evening.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney later in the day, the leaders announced the signing of a strategic partnership that encompasses defense, trade, and environmental cooperation. A press release from the Prime Minister's Office stated that the agreement aims to connect Canadian and Swedish industries in sectors such as clean energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, defense, forestry, research, and life sciences.

The release noted, "Our new partnership will help create high-paying careers and stronger supply chains across both economies through research cooperation, better information exchange, skill development, and more." It also aims to enhance Arctic and Euro-Atlantic collective security, a priority for both nations as NATO allies.

A joint statement from Carney and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reiterated the close relationship based on shared values and interests. The partnership aligns with existing agreements between Canada and the European Union.

Accompanying the royal couple are top Swedish government officials, including Industry Minister Ebba Busch and Defense Minister Pal Jonson, along with representatives from numerous Swedish companies. Busch remarked, "I believe that in difficult times you should really choose your friends wisely, and this is the reason Sweden is choosing Canada."

She pointed out that Sweden manufactures submarines and fighter jets, which Canada plans to procure as it increases defense spending to meet NATO targets. Swedish defense firm Saab was a contender for the contract to replace Canada's CF-18 fighter jets, which ultimately went to U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

The Canadian government has committed to purchasing 16 of Lockheed Martin's F-35A jets as part of a larger plan to acquire 88 jets to replace the aging CF-18 fleet. The Carney administration has ordered a review of this contract amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, but has not provided a timeline for a decision.

Saab is exploring the possibility of assembling its Gripen fighter jets in Canada, which could create thousands of jobs. The company is in discussions with Bombardier and the Canadian government regarding this initiative. Currently, Saab and Bombardier collaborate on the Global Eye early warning surveillance aircraft, which are produced in Canada and sent to Sweden for sensor installation.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated that the government believes it did not receive sufficient industrial benefits from the Lockheed Martin deal and emphasized the need for job creation in Canada. She noted that Saab has indicated that production in Canada could generate approximately 10,000 domestic jobs.