Swedish Royals King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia to Undertake State Visit to Canada

Royal Visit to Strengthen Canada-Sweden Ties

Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden are set to undertake a State visit to Canada from November 18 to 20, 2025. The visit, announced by Governor General Mary Simon, aims to significantly strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations, focusing on political, defence, and trade cooperation.

The royal couple will participate in engagements in both Ottawa and Montreal, with the overarching goal of deepening the ties between Canada and Sweden.

Key Objectives and High-Level Delegation

The State visit is designed to achieve several strategic objectives, including reinforcing cooperation in the security and defence sectors, promoting innovation, and boosting trade and investment, particularly within the green and digital transition. It will also seek to strengthen people-to-people ties through collaboration in research and skills supply.

A significant aspect of the visit will be the launch of a strategic partnership between Sweden and Canada, establishing a political framework to further deepen relations and enhance their capacity to address shared challenges. The Swedish delegation will be substantial, including Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, and representatives from approximately 30 Swedish companies and agencies as part of a 'Team Sweden' initiative.

Focus on Defence, Trade, and Arctic Policy

Sweden, an important economic and security partner, a NATO Ally, and an Arctic State, shares robust cooperation with Canada in foreign policy, defence and security, energy and climate action, and North-North collaboration. The visit will contribute to the diversification of defence and trade relations, deepen commercial ties, and advance Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy, emphasizing North-North cooperation, including among Indigenous Peoples.

In a relevant development, Swedish defence firm Saab is reportedly considering assembling Gripen fighter jets in Canada. Furthermore, Sweden's recent accession to NATO has intensified its collaboration with Canada on critical issues such as disinformation and dark vessels. The two countries also benefit from the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has eliminated tariffs on most Swedish exports to Canada.

Historical Context and Future Engagements

This upcoming visit marks the third State visit by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia to Canada, following previous visits in 1988 and 2006. While a detailed itinerary of events and activities will be published at a later date, the royal couple is expected to participate in the Sweden Canada Innovation Days conference, aimed at fostering cooperation in defence and security, electrification, and advanced technology.