Sweden, France to deepen cooperation on nuclear power, forestry

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at the Prime Minister's Office in Stockholm, Sweden, on Jan. 30, 2024. Sweden and France are set to cooperate on nuclear power, forestry, and security, said French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to Sweden on Tuesday. (Magnus Liljegren/Government Offices of Sweden/Handout via Xinhua)

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Sweden and France are set to cooperate on nuclear power, forestry, and security, said French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to Sweden on Tuesday.

"We have decided on certain guidelines when it comes to deepening our cooperation within the field of nuclear power, to phase out carbon dioxide to move towards a more carbon-neutral economy," Macron told a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Cooperation on nuclear power is important to the Swedish government, which in November said that the country would build new nuclear power output corresponding to ten large-scale reactors by 2045. Two of these are expected to be operational by 2035.

Forests are also vital to fighting climate change and preserving biodiversity, Macron said. Both countries have large forested areas, he said, adding that France could learn from Sweden when it comes to sustainable forestry.

Macron and Kristersson also discussed security issues in light of the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Middle East, as well as Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) once Hungary ratifies its application.

Macron said that Sweden and France are "major players for reaching space," and that the launch capabilities of both countries also are important to Europe.

"We have agreed to deepen our cooperation in the field of satellites and climate surveys," Macron said.

Macron's two-day visit, which lasts until Wednesday, is the first French state visit to Sweden in 24 years. ■

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a joint press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Stockholm, Sweden, on Jan. 30, 2024. Sweden and France are set to cooperate on nuclear power, forestry, and security, said French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to Sweden on Tuesday. (Ninni Andersson/Government Offices of Sweden/Handout via Xinhua)