Sweden will continue to actively support dialogue and confidence-building, as well as a “mutually acceptable, sustainable, and comprehensive solution” to the Cyprus issue, based on international law, the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and EU principles, said Sweden’s new Ambassador to Cyprus, Henrik Söderin, on Wednesday.
While presenting his credentials to the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, Mr. Söderin noted that the Swedish Embassy in Nicosia will continue to support the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, now in its 18th year, working in collaboration with religious leaders who are committed to “human rights, peace, and reconciliation.”
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She also referred to the upcoming 100th anniversary of the start of the Swedish Archaeological Mission in Cyprus in 1927.
“The Swedish Expedition to Cyprus (1927–1931) laid a solid foundation for our good relations as early as 100 years ago and continues to serve as a platform for further strengthening the ties between our two countries and our peoples,”, he said.
The Swedish Ambassador noted that his country and Cyprus, as EU member states, share a common responsibility to further strengthen the functioning of the Union, as well as its position in the world, adding that shared commitments and mutual solidarity form a solid foundation for bilateral relations and cooperation.
At the same time, he congratulated Cyprus on the successful completion of its Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Mr. Söderin also said that there is room for more exchanges between Cypriot and Swedish businesses, as well as for strengthening ties between the two peoples. He added that cooperation could be further developed in areas such as sustainable and green development, water management, gender equality, and education.
He also mentioned the 28,000 Swedes who have served with the United Nations in Cyprus since 1964, as well as the approximately 150,000 Swedish tourists who visit the island each year.
Significant potential in bilateral relations, said the President
Upon accepting Mr. Söderin’s credentials, President Christodoulides said that Cyprus and Sweden are bound by “a long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to European principles and values,” noting that diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1960.
“However, no matter how strong these foundations may be, I believe that our partnership has significant untapped potential,” he said.
The President emphasized the need to further strengthen political dialogue and high-level contacts, as well as to give new impetus to economic relations.
“Our growing trade and investment ties provide a solid foundation, and the remarkable increase in Cypriot exports to Sweden in recent years is an encouraging sign of the great opportunitiesthat lie ahead,” he said.
President Christodoulides highlighted sustainable development, green growth, and water management as areas in which Swedish expertise could be particularly useful for Cyprus.
Referring to tourism, he described it as one of the “most cherished ties” between the two peoples. He recalled Sweden’s support for the recovery of tourism in Cyprus following the Turkish invasion of 1974 and noted that more than 153,000 Swedes visited Cyprus in 2025.
Regarding the Swedish Archaeological Expedition of 1927–1931, the President said that its centennial in 2027 represents a “unique opportunity” to highlight our shared heritage and further strengthen cultural ties.
He also expressed Cyprus’s appreciation for Sweden’s contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, noting that approximately 28,000 Swedish military personnel and police officers served with UNFICYP between 1964 and 1993.
Regarding the Cyprus issue, he reiterated that it remains “our foremost national priority,” with the aim of resuming substantive negotiations that will lead to a “comprehensive and sustainable settlement,” based on international law, the relevant Security Council resolutions, and the principles and values of the EU.
“In pursuing this goal, we particularly appreciate Sweden’s steadfast support for the UN-led process and its consistent commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and confidence-building,” he said.
The President noted that Sweden’s contribution “has gone beyond words” and has extended to practical initiatives aimed at bringing the two communities closer together, referring in particular to the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy in Nicosia.
At the same time, he expressed his conviction that Mr. Söderin’s tenure will contribute to further deepening relations and opening new avenues of cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.
Source: CNA
