Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson commends Donald Trump's firm stance against Russia during the US-China summit in Stockholm. The meeting, crucial for global trade, sees Sweden playing a key hosting role. Kristersson highlights the importance of global trade for Sweden and expresses concerns over rising tariffs and trade tensions.
Kristersson Praises Trump's Stance at US-China Summit in Stockholm
Kristersson Praises Trump's Stance: "We Appreciate It"
At the summit between the US and China in Stockholm, much is at stake. This is what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated in an interview with Ekot on Monday. Simultaneously, Kristersson sends praise to Trump.
– The US has started to demand accountability from Russia, and we appreciate that, he told Ekot.
In central Stockholm, extensive security measures have been prepared for the major summit between China and the US – with fences, police patrols, and drones, reports TT.
Sweden's role is primarily to host the meeting and ensure the negotiations have the best possible conditions, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tells Ekot.
The trade agreements being negotiated by the countries have consequences for nations worldwide – not least Sweden, says Kristersson.
– Sweden is a country that, more than most, both benefits from and is dependent on global trade, Ulf Kristersson tells Ekot, adding:
– Therefore, it is of great Swedish interest that the outcome is as favorable as possible.
At the same time, Kristersson emphasizes that it is a complex time for trade policy right now.
– It should also be noted that it is a tough situation. Global trade is being questioned, tariffs are on the rise, and global trade is declining. Significant values are at stake right now.
Kristersson: Appreciates Trump's Move
One of the major issues to be addressed at the meeting is China's continued import of Russian oil – despite international sanctions.
In response to this issue, US President Donald Trump has recently increased pressure on Russia, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on all countries trading oil with Russia.
A development in the right direction, according to Kristersson.
– The US has started to demand accountability from Russia, and we appreciate that. It now seems that the US is losing patience with a Russia that refuses to move from words to action, and that is good, he says.
Not Satisfied with EU Tariffs
On Sunday, the EU's Ursula von der Leyen reached an agreement with Trump on new tariff levels on EU goods to the US – at 15%.
Ulf Kristersson says it is too early to comment on the details of the agreement, but there are both positive and negative aspects to it.
– On one hand, these are the highest tariffs between the EU and the US in 70 years, which is bad. On the other hand, I think many observers see that it could have been worse.
For Sweden, he says, the predictability of having an agreement at all is significant.
– But it would have been better with lower levels.