British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson announced on Wednesday an agreement for mutual defense and protection in the event of aggression, ahead of Sweden’s decision to join NATO.

At a press conference, Johnson specified that “If Sweden were attacked and asked us for help and support, we would give it. But it is up to Sweden to make the request and specify exactly what support is requested.”

The security agreement was signed in Harpsund, the Swedish prime minister’s country residence, where the British head of government traveled today, before traveling to Finland to sign a similar agreement.

“The war in Ukraine is forcing us to make difficult decisions, but sovereign nations must be free to make those decisions without fear, influence, or threat of retaliation,” said Boris Johnson.

Mutual security guarantees with Sweden and Finland, which include information sharing and joint military exercises, are intended to strengthen northern Europe’s defense against the threat from Russia.

Johnson also stressed the UK’s “unwavering support” of NATO’s “open-door” policy for nations wishing to join the alliance, which Sweden and Finland have been evaluating.

Both nations are part of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, which brings together 10 countries in support of stability and security in the North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea region, and the Far North.

Source: With Agencies