Nuclear energy is both an important tool for reducing Russia’s dependence on oil and gas, and a cheaper alternative as Europe faces a heating crisis this winter, according to Sweden’s foreign minister. It also helps provide
Tobias Billström, who became minister of foreign affairs in October, told Fox News Digital that Sweden is a small country and needs “safe, clean and safe”, so the government wants “more nuclear power plants”. He said he believes it is necessary to “strengthen the construction of energy”, that is, “cheap”.
“I hope more reactors are built,” Bilstrom said in an interview at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington, DC. Swedish industry can finance the construction of new reactors. ”
Over the past decade, nuclear energy has been the subject of controversy in Europe. Germany is moving to close its nuclear plants and France is planning to build new ones. German State Minister Tobias Lindner recently told Fox News Digital that “resistance to nuclear energy” is part of “the DNA of German society”.
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Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Birstrom attends a joint press conference during the Russian attack on Ukraine November 28, 2022 in Kiev, Ukraine.
(Reuters/Valentin Ogilenko/Pool)
Energy prices have soared as a result of sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine and Russia’s sharp cuts in gas supplies to Europe. Nord Stream 1 pipeline closed indefinitely.
Asked if Europe should do more to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, Billström agreed, noting that Russia’s “attack on Ukraine” showed “just how unstable it is”. . [the] the whole situation. ”
“The dire situation that so many countries are facing in terms of the strain on household budgets from soaring energy prices should be taken seriously,” Bilstrom said.
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In contrast to many other European countries, Sweden does not rely on Russian gas, but Russia remains a major concern. That is why the Swedish government requested NATO membership in May after decades of neutrality over security concerns.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken holds a joint press conference with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Bilström after a meeting at the State Department in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8, 2022. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP by Getty) Image)
((Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images))
Stockholm has worked to strengthen ties with the United States and other allies to ensure security in the face of potential threats. including cyber attacks.
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“We would like to see closer cooperation and cooperation at the bilateral level between the United States and Sweden, because we can offer a lot for cybersecurity, both in terms of technical resources, but also intelligence. because we know and believe in,” explained Billström. .
Bilstrom said the U.S. and Sweden have a “very good” relationship, noting that he experienced “nothing but goodwill from representatives of Congress and the government” during a visit to Washington, D.C. Did.
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“As Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and as Sweden’s position as the next Presidency of the European Union Council, I am committed to maintaining and expanding these good relations, and that the United States, Sweden and Europe are in a good mode of cooperation.” said Billström.
In this photo, taken by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the Associated Press outside Iran, protests the death of 22-year-old Masa Amini after being detained by moral police in Tehran on Oct. 1, 2022. Iranian.
(AP photo/Middle East images, files)
The partnership also extends to dealing with the People’s Republic of China, where Mr Bilstrom points to the need for “close cooperation between the EU and the United States on the issue of China”.
The United States and Sweden also offer a united front against Iran. Stockholm has condemned Tehran’s recent execution of protesters after his three-month-long demonstrations following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
“We are aware that Iran is embarking on this process of ultimately erasing the belief in and free will among these women and girls in the streets of Tehran and other cities. are taking it very seriously,” said Bilstrom.
“I have been very vocal about the need to include this on the agenda, personally. , Iran will be a particular item on the agenda.”
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“I think we should stand shoulder to shoulder with those who want freedom of expression on the streets of Iran,” he added. “Women and girls are now paying a very high price for the atrocities perpetrated by the security forces,” he added. There must be”
