Foreigners who helped Sweden join NATO receive a medal from the king

Published 24 October 2024 at 12.33

Domestic. The king has, on the advice of the Government Office, decided to award royal Swedish orders of knighthood to ten foreign citizens for their efforts to make Sweden a NATO member.

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– The awards are an expression of our great gratitude for the efforts of these people in connection with Sweden's membership in NATO. I would also like to give special thanks to the former President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, who has already received the Order of Seraphim. Sweden's membership makes NATO stronger and Sweden safer, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M).

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) emphasizes that the people who are now awarded Swedish orders “have made very significant contributions in support of Swedish NATO entry”.

Recipients include Finland's former Prime Minister Sanna Marin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO's recently retired Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The following people are awarded the Royal Order of the North Star:

Former Prime Minister Sanna Marin
Commander with the Great Cross
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto
Commander with the Great Cross
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

< p>Former Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
Commander with the Great Cross
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Foreign Minister Antony Blinken
Commander with the Great Cross
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

National Security Advisor Jacob Sullivan
Commander with the Grand Cross
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Foreign Councilor Petri Hakkarainen
Commander First Class
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Former Chief of Staff Stian Jenssen
Commander of the first class
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Ambassador Julianne Smith
Commander of the first class
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Ambassador Jeffry Flake
Commander of the first class
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests

Previously senior department head Amanda Sloat
Commander of the first class
For extraordinary efforts for Swedish interests