HELSINKI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Monday that Sweden is ready to take part in talks proposed by France on enhancing cooperation around a European dimension of nuclear deterrence.
Kristersson told Swedish Television (SVT) that Sweden is prepared to join discussions with other European partners, describing the initiative as an in-depth dialogue on strengthening European security based on France's national nuclear deterrent.
"The talks that will be commenced aim at strengthening Swedish and European security at an insecure time," he said.
Kristersson added that he would prefer a world without nuclear weapons, but deterrence remains necessary to safeguard national security under current conditions.
French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier on Monday that France will strengthen its nuclear arsenal and incorporate "a European dimension" into its deterrence posture, while stressing that any decision on the use of French nuclear weapons will remain a sovereign French responsibility.
Macron said France is offering interested European partners closer cooperation that could include consultations, joint exercises and other forms of coordination, and countries including Sweden, Britain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece and Denmark have expressed interest. ■
