French President in Sweden to Participate in Signing Ceremony for Purchase of Four French Frigates

Paris, August 31 (KUNA) -- The Elysee Palace, the French presidential residence, announced that French President Emmanuel Macron is traveling to Sweden today, Monday, on an official visit to attend the signing ceremony for the purchase of four French war frigates. The Elysee stated in a press release that the deal is valued at 4.3 billion euros (approximately $5 billion), with France set to deliver the first frigate to Sweden in 2030. It noted that a framework agreement was signed on this occasion, aiming to enhance Franco-Swedish cooperation in operational and industrial fields, as well as in capability development. The statement described President Macron’s visit as “a new step to strengthen the strategic partnership between France and Sweden, as well as to develop cooperation on security and military issues between the two countries, which will contribute to enhancing the defensive capabilities of the European continent and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).”

For his part, President Macron said in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) social media account: “Sweden has chosen to acquire four specialized war frigates for defense and intervention, to be built by Naval Group in the French city of Lorient.” He described Sweden’s decision as “a testament to the excellence of our defense industry, and as reflecting the choice of two countries sharing a common vision for European sovereignty and security.” He emphasized the importance of this step in strengthening friendship between his country and Sweden, particularly in the field of military cooperation, noting that it represents “a new phase in the strategic partnership between the two countries.” (End) M.B. / S.A.M.