US and Sweden sign Defence Cooperation Agreement

"Sweden is a strong, capable defense partner that champions NATO's values, and will further strengthen the Alliance once its NATO accession is completed," the State Department said in a written statement.

"Sweden's membership will strengthen our collective defense and enhance our ability to respond to security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area."

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said he was hopeful that accession would happen "as soon as possible", but would not give any estimate when Turkey and Hungary - the only two NATO members not to give Sweden the green light yet - would add their support.