Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
On May 2, 2024, the United States and Sweden convened for their inaugural bilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue in Washington, DC. In a joint statement released by the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, both nations reiterated their commitment to collaboration on cyberspace and digital policy issues.
During the dialogue, officials from both countries exchanged views on various critical topics. They emphasized the importance of promoting an open, free, global, secure, and reliable Internet while protecting human rights online. Moreover, discussions centered on strengthening the security of the ICT ecosystem, protecting privacy, intellectual property rights, and respecting human rights.
Key points of the dialogue included the advancement of secure and trusted 5G networks, strategic collaboration on trusted connectivity, and promoting open and transparent digital ecosystems. The dialogue also highlighted cooperation on the development of 6G and FutureG wireless communication systems.
Both sides acknowledged the significance of cybersecurity in cloud services, AI governance, and secure data flows, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic digital cooperation and fostering a competitive and innovative digital economy. Discussions also touched on the UN Global Digital Compact and the need to combat malicious cyber activity.
Officials from the United States and Sweden reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, emphasizing the application of international law and the implementation of cyber confidence-building measures. Collaboration efforts included advocating for third countries to align with the Budapest Convention and addressing cyber threats through enhanced cyber resilience.
Nathaniel Fick and Andrés Jato, key figures in the dialogue, highlighted the significance of U.S.-Sweden cooperation in cyber and digital issues. The dialogue was chaired by Steve Lang and Liesyl Franz from the U.S. Department of State, with representation from various U.S. agencies and Swedish ministries.
The dialogue marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and Sweden in the realm of cyberspace and digital policy.
