Jump to content

Foreign relations of Sweden

From Niidae Wiki
Revision as of 07:20, 20 May 2025 by imported>X201 (Conflicting template)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

Template:Short description Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Update

Template:Politics of Sweden The foreign policy of Sweden was formerly based on the premise that national security is best served by staying free of alliances in peacetime in order to remain a neutral country in the event of war, with this policy lasting from 1814 in the context of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars until the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine. In 2002, Sweden revised its security doctrine. The security doctrine at that point still stated that "Sweden pursues a policy of non-participation in military alliances," but permitted cooperation in response to threats against peace and security. The government also seeks to maintain Sweden's high standard of living. These two objectives required heavy expenditures for social welfare, defence spending at rates considered low by Western European standards (around 1.2% of GNP prior to 2022),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and close attention to foreign trade opportunities and world economic cooperation. In 2024, Sweden formally became part of a military alliance for the first time since the end of the War of the Sixth Coalition by joining NATO.

Foreign policy

[edit]

The foreign policy of Sweden encompasses a range of themes over the centuries. Some of the main issues include:<ref>Neil Kent, A Concise History of Sweden (2008),</ref><ref>Franklin D. Scott, Sweden: The Nation's History (1988)</ref><ref>Erik Thomson, "Beyond the Military State: Sweden’s Great Power Period in Recent Historiography." History Compass 9.4 (2011): 269-283. onlineTemplate:Dead link</ref><ref>Patrick Salmon, Scandinavia and the great powers 1890-1940 (2002). online.</ref>

  • Sweden has historically pursued a policy of neutrality, aiming to avoid involvement in conflicts between major powers. This neutrality allowed Sweden to navigate the tumultuous European political landscape and maintain its sovereignty. It dropped the neutrality policy in 2022–2024 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and joined NATO on 7 March 2024.
  • Sweden has sought to maintain a balance of power in Northern Europe, acting as a counterweight to dominant regional powers. This approach aimed to prevent any single power from gaining excessive influence and threatening Swedish interests.
  • Sweden's historical dominance in the Baltic Sea region played a crucial role in shaping its diplomatic history. Through territorial expansion, Sweden established control over strategic territories, such as present-day Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and parts of Russia, impacting its relations with neighboring states.
  • During the 17th and 18th centuries, Sweden emerged as a major European power, participating in conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War and the Great Northern War. Its diplomatic efforts were often influenced by power struggles with other European great powers, such as Russia and Poland.
  • Sweden has actively engaged in peace mediation efforts, seeking to resolve conflicts and broker peace agreements. Notable examples include the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War, and various mediation efforts during the 20th century.
  • Sweden has a longstanding tradition of promoting international cooperation, human rights, and humanitarian initiatives. It has been involved in the establishment of international organizations such as the League of Nations and the United Nations, and has championed causes such as humanitarian aid and disarmament.
  • Sweden has pursued close ties and cooperation with its neighboring Nordic countries, particularly Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. This commitment to Scandinavian unity has been reflected in diplomatic initiatives, trade agreements, and cultural exchanges.
  • Sweden's relationship with the European Union (EU) has been a significant theme in its recent diplomatic history. While Sweden joined the EU in 1995, it has maintained a somewhat reserved approach, often balancing its national interests with EU membership.
  • Sweden has been an advocate for global development and has provided substantial aid to developing countries. It has sought to address global inequalities and promote sustainable development through its aid programs, often challenging neocolonial practices.
  • In the 21st century, Sweden has gained attention for its feminist foreign policy approach, which aims to integrate gender equality into its diplomatic efforts. Sweden has been a leading advocate for women's rights globally, emphasizing the inclusion and empowerment of women in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and development processes.

United Nations

[edit]

Template:Main Sweden has been a member of the United Nations since November 19, 1946, and participates actively in the activities of the organization, including as an elected member of the Security Council (1957–1958, 1975–1976, 1997–1998 and 2017–2018), providing Dag Hammarskjöld as the second elected Secretary-General of the UN, etc. The strong interest of the Swedish Government and people in international cooperation and peacemaking has been supplemented in the early 1980s by renewed attention to Nordic and European security questions.

Sweden decided not to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

European Union

[edit]
File:EU15-1995 European Union map enlargement.svg
Template:LegendTemplate:Legend

After the then Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson had submitted Sweden's application in July 1991 the negotiations began in February 1993. Finally, on January 1, 1995, Sweden became a member of the European Union. While some argued that it went against Sweden's historic policy of neutrality, where Sweden had not joined during the Cold War because it was seen as incompatible with neutrality, others viewed the move as a natural extension of the economic cooperation that had been going on since 1972 with the EU.Template:Citation needed Sweden addressed this controversy by reserving the right not to participate in any future EU defence alliance. In membership negotiations in 1993–1994, Sweden also had reserved the right to make the final decision on whether to join the third stage of the EMU "in light of continued developments." In a nationwide referendum in November 1994, 52.3 percent of participants voted in favour of EU membership. Voter turnout was high, 83.3 percent of the eligible voters voted. The main Swedish concerns included winning popular support for EU cooperation, EU enlargement, and strengthening the EU in areas such as economic growth, job promotion, and environmental issues.

In polls taken a few years after the referendum, many Swedes indicated that they were unhappy with Sweden's membership in the EU. However, after Sweden successfully hosted its first presidency of the EU in the first half of 2001, most Swedes today have a more positive attitude towards the EU. The government, with the support of the Center Party, decided in spring 1997 to remain outside of the EMU, at least until 2002. A referendum was held on September 14, 2003. The results were 55.9% for no, 42.0% yes and 2.1% giving no answer ("blank vote").

Nordic Council

[edit]

Swedish foreign policy has been the result of a wide consensus. Sweden cooperates closely with its Nordic neighbors, formally in economic and social matters through the Nordic Council of Ministers and informally in political matters through direct consultation.

Nonalignment

[edit]

Template:Main

File:Swedish PM Stefan Löfven meeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei 01.jpg
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, February 11, 2017

Swedish neutrality and nonalignment policy in peacetime may partly explain how the country could stay out of wars since 1814. Swedish governments have not defined nonalignment as precluding outspoken positions in international affairs. Government leaders have favored national liberation movements that enjoy broad support among developing world countries, with notable attention to Africa. During the Cold War, Sweden was suspicious of the superpowers, which it saw as making decisions affecting small countries without always consulting those countries. With the end of the Cold War, that suspicion has lessened somewhat, although Sweden still chooses to remain nonaligned. Sweden has devoted particular attention to issues of disarmament, arms control, and nuclear nonproliferation and has contributed importantly to UN and other international peacekeeping efforts, including the NATO-led peacekeeping forces in the Balkans. It sat as an observer in the Western European Union from 1995 to 2011, but it is not an active member of NATO's Partnership for Peace and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.

Sweden's engagement with NATO was especially strengthened during the term of Anders Fogh Rasmussen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Sweden's nonalignment policy has led it to serve as the protecting power for a number of nations who don't have formal diplomatic relations with each other for various reasons. It currently represents the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations in North Korea for consular matters. On several occasions when the United Kingdom broke off relations with Iran (including the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Salman Rushdie affair, and the 2011 storming of the British embassy in Tehran), Sweden served as the protecting power for the UK.

In May 2022, Sweden formally applied to join the NATO alliance. The public opinion in the Nordic region had changed in favour of joining NATO since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 of the same year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in March 2022 that her government would have to respond if Sweden became a NATO member.<ref name="eatrs">Template:Cite news</ref> However, in June 2022 President Vladimir Putin contradicted the statement, claiming that Sweden and Finland can "join whatever they want" on the condition that there will be no NATO military deployment in either country.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Military

[edit]

Sweden has employed its military on numerous occasions since the end of the Cold War, from Bosnia and Congo to Afghanistan and Libya. According to one study, "this military activism is driven both by the Swedish internationalist tradition of "doing good" in the world, but also for instrumental purposes. These include a desire for political influence in international institutions, an interest in collective milieu shaping, and a concern to improve the interoperability and effectiveness of the Swedish military."<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Participation in international organizations

[edit]

Template:Div-col

Template:Div-col-end

Multilateral

[edit]
Organization Formal relations began Notes
Template:Flag See 1995 enlargement of the European Union

Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995.

Template:Flag See Sweden–NATO relations

Sweden joined NATO as a full member on 7 March 2024.

Diplomatic relations

[edit]

List of countries which Sweden maintains diplomatic relations with:

File:Diplomatic relations of Sweden.svg
# Country Date
1 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
3 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
4 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
5 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
6 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="britain">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Failed verification
7 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
8 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
9 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
10 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="200years.mfa.gr">Template:Cite web</ref>
11 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Librairie polytechnique">Template:Cite book</ref>
12 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
13 Template:Flag Template:DTS<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
14 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="books.google.com">Template:Cite book</ref>
15 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
16 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
17 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
18 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
19 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
20 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":11">Template:Cite book</ref>
21 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Almanach de Gotha">Template:Cite book</ref>
22 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
23 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
24 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
25 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
26 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
27 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
28 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
29 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
30 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
31 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
32 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
33 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
34 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="cairo1">Template:Cite web</ref>
35 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
36 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
37 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":14">Template:Cite book</ref>
38 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
39 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
40 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
41 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Gac">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="DECRETO SUPREMO">Template:Cite web</ref>
42 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Adelsvapen">Template:Cite web</ref>
43 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":6">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
44 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref>
45 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":2" />
46 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
47 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
48 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
49 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="ReferenceC">Template:Cite web</ref>
50 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
51 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
52 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
53 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
54 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
55 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="ire1">Template:Cite web</ref>
56 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
57 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="sy1">Template:Cite book</ref>
58 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
59 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
60 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
61 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
62 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
63 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="cdc">Template:Cite web</ref>
64 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
65 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
66 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
67 Template:Flag Template:Date table sorting<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
68 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
69 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Sudan Almanac">Template:Cite book</ref>
70 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
71 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
72 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Scandasia.com">Template:Cite web</ref>
73 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
74 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
75 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Overview">Template:Cite web</ref>
76 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
77 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
78 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
79 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
80 Template:Flag Template:Date table sorting<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
81 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
82 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
83 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Nigeria">Template:Cite web</ref>
84 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
85 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
86 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
87 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
88 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
89 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":1" />
90 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
91 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
92 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name=":10">Template:Cite book</ref>
93 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
94 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Africa Research Bulletin">Template:Cite book</ref>
95 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
96 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
97 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="SvD (1964-11-28), p. A19">Template:Cite news</ref>
98 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="حدث في مثل هذا اليوم في الكويت">Template:Cite web</ref>
99 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Sveriges statskalender (1967), p. 314">Template:Cite book</ref>
100 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Sveriges statskalender (1966), pp. 294, 297">Template:Cite book</ref>
101 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
102 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
103 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
104 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
105 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
106 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
107 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
108 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
109 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
110 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
111 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
112 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="punetejashtme.gov.al">Template:Cite web</ref>
113 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
114 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
115 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
116 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
117 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
118 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
119 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
120 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
121 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
122 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
123 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
124 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
125 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
126 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
127 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
128 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
129 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
130 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
131 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="ReferenceA">Template:Cite book</ref>
132 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
133 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
134 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
135 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
136 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
137 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
138 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
139 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
140 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
141 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
142 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
143 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
144 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
145 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
146 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
147 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
148 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
149 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
150 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
151 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
152 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
153 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
154 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
155 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="list">Template:Cite web</ref>
156 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
157 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
158 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="est1"/>
159 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="lat1"/>
160 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="lith1"/>
161 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
162 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="ukr1">Template:Cite web</ref>
163 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="bel1">Template:Cite web</ref>
164 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="croa1">Template:Cite web</ref>
165 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
166 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
167 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
168 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
169 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
170 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="kaz1">Template:Cite web</ref>
171 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
172 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
173 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
174 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="mol1">Template:Cite web</ref>
175 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
176 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
177 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
178 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
179 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
180 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
181 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
182 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
183 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
184 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
185 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
186 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
187 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref name="Visoka2">Template:Cite book</ref>
188 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
189 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
190 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
191 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
192 Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag Template:Dts<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Africa

[edit]
Region Formal relations began Notes
Template:Flag 25 November 1922 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1922 when Harald Bildt took up the post of first Swedish Minister to Egypt.<ref name="cairo1"/>
  • Egypt has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Cairo.
Template:Flag 25 June 1975 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1975.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
  • Mozambique has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Maputo.
Template:Flag 3 October 1961 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1961.<ref name="Nigeria"/>
  • Nigeria has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Abuja.
Template:Flag See South Africa-Sweden relations
Template:Flag 27 October 1957 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 October 1957 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Sudan (Resident in Addis Ababa) Dr. Bjorn Axel Eyvind Bratt.<ref name="Sudan Almanac"/>
  • Sudan has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Khartoum.
Template:Flag 29 May 1964 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 May 1964 when Otto Gustaf Rathsman presented his credentials as Sweden's Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to President Nyerere.<ref name="Africa Research Bulletin"/>
  • Sweden has an embassy in Dar es Salaam.
  • Tanzania has an embassy in Stockholm.
Template:Flag See Sweden–Tunisia relations
  • Sweden has an embassy in Tunis.
  • Tunisia has an embassy in Stockholm.
Template:Flag 30 April 1980 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1980 when first Ambassador of Mozambique to Zimbabwe presented his credentials.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Americas

[edit]
Region Formal relations began Notes
Template:Flag See Argentina–Sweden relations
Template:Flag 17 November 1982 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 November 1982.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Belize has an honorary consulate in Stockholm.
  • Sweden is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Guatemala City and maintains an honorary consulate in Belmopan.
Template:Flag 2 February 1932 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 February 1932.<ref name="Gac"/><ref name="DECRETO SUPREMO"/>
  • Bolivia has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in La Paz.
Template:Flag See Brazil–Sweden relations
  • Brazil has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Brasília.
Template:Flag See Canada–Sweden relations

Template:See also

Relations with Canada are close, positive and constructive. Both countries have strong commitments to peacekeeping, UN reform, development assistance, environmental protection, sustainable development, and the promotion and protection of human rights.<ref>Canada-Sweden Relations Template:Webarchive</ref> In addition, there are more than 300,000 Canadians of Swedish descent.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag 1827 See Chile–Sweden relations
  • Chile has an embassy in Stockholm and a consulate in Gothenburg.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Santiago.
Template:Flag 11 December 1874
  • Colombia has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Bogotá.
  • Sweden is the 6th largest trade partner of Colombia in the European Union.
Template:Flag 16 June 1975

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 June 1975.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

  • Guyana has an honorary consulate in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an ambassador accredited to Guyana based in Stockholm.
Template:Flag 1850<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> See Mexico–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag 11 February 1938 See Peru–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 1938.<ref name="peru1">Template:Cite web</ref>

  • Peru has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden is accredited to Peru from its embassy in Santiago, Chile.<ref>Embassy of Sweden in Chile</ref>
Template:Flag 29 April 1818 See Sweden–United States relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 April 1818.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:See also

Sweden and the United States have had strong ties since the 18th century.

Asia

[edit]
Country Formal relations began Notes
Template:Flag 10 July 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag 8 May 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • The embassy of Sweden in Baku opened in 2014.
  • Azerbaijani opened an embassy in Stockholm.Template:Citation needed
  • Currently, approximately 10 thousand Azerbaijanis live in Sweden, and in addition about 30 thousand Azerbaijanis from Iran.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • In 2006, a diaspora organization called «Odlar yurdu» was established in Sweden.<ref name=":0" />
  • In 2010, the Congress of Swedish Azerbaijanis was established.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag See China–Sweden relations.
  • China has an embassy in Stockholm and a consulate-general in Gothenburg.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Beijing and consulates-general in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

In July 2019, the UN ambassadors from 22 nations, including Sweden, signed a joint letter to the UNHRC condemning China's mistreatment of the Uyghurs as well as its mistreatment of other minority groups, urging the Chinese government to close the Xinjiang internment camps.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag 19 September 1992 See Georgia–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 September 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag See India–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag See Indonesia–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag 5 September 1897 See Iran–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1897 when has been accredited first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Persia to Sweden with residence in St. Peterbourg Mirza Reza Khan Ar Faed-Doouleh.<ref name="Almanach de Gotha"/>

Template:Flag See Iraq–Sweden relations.

The Swedish Embassy in Iraq is permanently closed after attacks by protesters over Quran Burning on the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad. Iraq severed ties with Sweden since July 2023, after Swedish authorities allowed a man to burn the Iraqi flag and the Quran in front of the Iraqi Embassy, Stockholm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag See Israel–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1949. Israel has an embassy in Stockholm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sweden has an embassy in Tel Aviv.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag 1868 See Japan–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1868 by signing the Swedish-Japanese Treaty in 1868.<ref name="MOFA ja">Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag 7 April 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 April 1992.<ref name="kaz1"/>
  • Sweden has an embassy in Astana.
  • Kazakhstan has an embassy in Stockholm.
Template:Flag 22 December 1964 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 December 1964 when Sweden opened its embassy in Kuwait.<ref name="حدث في مثل هذا اليوم في الكويت"/>
Template:Flag See Malaysia–Sweden relations.

Diplomatic relations were established in 1958.<ref name="Scandasia.com"/> Sweden has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Stockholm. As of 2009, 90 Swedish companies are present in Malaysia and about 450 Swedish citizens live in Malaysia.

Template:Flag April 7, 1973<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> See North Korea–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag October 30, 2014 See Palestine–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag See Saudi Arabia–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1957.<ref name="regeringen.se-2023">Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag 11 March 1959 See South Korea–Sweden relations

The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Sweden began on March 11, 1959.<ref name="Overview"/>

Template:Flag 24 June 1947 See Sweden–Syria relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1947 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Syria with residence in Cairo, Widar Bagge.<ref name="sy1"/>

Template:Flag See Sweden–Turkey relations.

Europe

[edit]
Region Formal relations began Notes
Template:Flag 20 June 1969 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 June 1969.<ref name="punetejashtme.gov.al"/>
Template:Flag
  • Austria has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Vienna.
  • There are 7,000 Austrians living in Sweden.
  • There are 2,000 Swedes living in Austria.
  • Both countries became members of the European Union on 1 January 1995.
Template:Flag 14 January 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 January 1992.<ref name="bel1"/>

There are 3,000 Belarusian living in Sweden and above 1,000 Swedes living in Belarus.

Template:Flag 23 February 1837 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 February 1837 when has been accredited Chargé d'Affaires of Belgium to Sweden baron T. Vander Straten Ponthoz.<ref name="Librairie polytechnique"/>

There is an ethnic group of Walloons living in Sweden making up the 8,000 Belgians living in Sweden and 5,000 Swedes living in Belgium.

  • Belgium has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an ambassador accredited to Belgium based in Stockholm.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag 15 December 1992 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag July 6, 1914 There are approximately 3,000 Swedes living in Bulgaria and
Template:Flag 29 January 1992 See Croatia–Sweden relations.
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 January 1992.<ref name="croa1"/>
  • Croatia has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Zagreb.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Croatia joined on 1 July 2013.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag See Cyprus–Sweden relations.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Cyprus joined on 1 May 2004.
Template:Flag 1 January 1993 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1993.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag See Denmark–Sweden relations.

Today, both countries are separated by the Øresund, which links the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, of the Council of Europe, and of the European Union. There are around 21,000 Swedes living in Denmark and there are around 42,000 Danes living in Sweden.

Template:Flag 28 August 1991 See Estonia–Sweden relations.

Estonia was under Swedish rule between 1561 and 1721

Sweden recognized Estonia on 4 February 1921.<ref name="DN (1921-02-05), p. 13">Template:Cite news</ref>

Sweden resumed diplomatic relations with Estonia on 28 August 1991.<ref name="est1">Template:Cite book</ref>

Template:Flag See Finland–Sweden relations.

Finnish–Swedish relations have a long history (Sweden and Finland were the same country for several hundred years), due to the close relationship between Finland and Sweden. Particularly in Finland, the issue emerges in frequent exposés of Finnish history, and in motives for governmental proposals and actions as reported in Finnish news broadcasts in English or other foreign languages. In Sweden, this relationship is a recurrent important theme of 20th-century history, although maybe by most Swedes considered to be an issue of purely historical relevance now that both countries have been members of the European Union since 1995.

  • Finland has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Helsinki and a consulate-general in Mariehamn.
  • Both countries became members of the European Union on 1 January 1995.
  • Both countries applied for NATO membership on 18 May 2022. Finland became a member on 4 April 2023, while Sweden became a member on 7 March 2024.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag See France–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag See Germany–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag 24 January 1833 See Greece–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1833 when Carl Peter von Heidenstam (until then Consul General) was appointed as Chargé d'Affaires of the Kingdom of Sweden and Norway in Greece.<ref name="200years.mfa.gr"/>

Template:Flag See Hungary–Sweden relations.

Diplomacy relations between the two countries started on December 28, 1945.

  • Hungary has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Budapest.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Hungary joined on 1 May 2004.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag See Iceland–Sweden relations.
  • Iceland has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Reykjavík.
  • Both countries are members of NATO.
Template:Flag 18 July 1946 See Ireland–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1946.<ref name="ire1"/> Ireland has an embassy in Stockholm.

Template:Flag 23 December 1859 See Italy–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 December 1859 when the first interim Chargé d'Affaires, Giov. Antonio Migliorati, was appointed.<ref name="books.google.com"/>

Template:Flag See Kosovo–Sweden relations.

Sweden recognized Kosovo on March 4, 2008.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> Liaison Office of Sweden in Pristina, subordinated to the embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia.<ref>Liaison Office of Sweden in Pristina, Ministry for Foreign Affairs.</ref> On March 8, 2008, the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt became the first foreign minister to officially visit Kosovo since it declared its independence.<ref>Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to visit Kosovo and Macedonia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, March 6, 2008.</ref> Sweden currently has 243 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.<ref>"Kosovo Force (KFOR)" nato.int Link accessed 21-07-09.</ref>

  • Kosovo has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Pristina.
Template:Flag 28 August 1991 See Latvia–Sweden relations.

Sweden recognized Latvia on 4 February 1921.<ref name="DN (1921-02-05), p. 13"/>

Sweden resumed diplomatic relations with Latvia on 28 August 1991.<ref name="lat1">Template:Cite book</ref>

  • Latvia has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Riga.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Latvia joined on 1 May 2004.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag 28 August 1991 See Lithuania–Sweden relations.

Sweden resumed diplomatic relations with Lithuania on 28 August 1991.<ref name="lith1">Template:Cite book</ref>

  • Lithuania has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Vilnius.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Lithuania joined on 1 May 2004.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag 12 June 1992 See Moldova–Sweden relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 June 1992.<ref name="mol1"/>

Sweden is one of Moldova's top donors. From 1996, Sweden provided Moldova with technical assistance worth 30 million dollars, which significantly helped strengthen sectors such as: protection of human rights, democracy, good governance, public health, education, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, transport and the private sector. Much of the aid is delivered through the Swedish International Development Agency.<ref name="mold"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2007, the Swedish Government established the 2007–2010 strategy of cooperation with Moldova, which sees 11 million euros in financial assistance annually for three important sectors: good governance, strengthening of com petitiveness in the rural area and reduction of vulnerability in the energy sector.<ref name="mold">Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Flag See Netherlands–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag See Norway–Sweden relations.
  • Norway has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Oslo.
  • Both countries are members of NATO.
Template:Flag See Poland–Sweden relations.
  • Poland has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Warsaw.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Poland joined on 1 May 2004.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag See Portugal–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag 1 November 1916
  • Romania has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Bucharest.
  • Sweden joined the European Union as a full member on 1 January 1995, while Romania joined on 1 January 2007.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag See Russia–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag See Serbia–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag
  • Slovenia is accredited to Sweden from its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Sweden is accredited to Slovenia from its embassy in Budapest, Hungary.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and NATO.
Template:Flag See Spain–Sweden relations.
Template:Flag
  • Sweden has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Both countries are members of the Council of Europe.
Template:Flag 13 January 1992 See Sweden–Ukraine relations.

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 January 1992.<ref name="ukr1"/>

A Ukrainian information bureau was opened 1916 in Stockholm by Volodymyr Stepankivskyi and M. Zaliznyak. In 1918 an official diplomatic mission from the Ukrainian People's Republic headed by K. Lossky was opened in Stockholm.<ref name="mfa.gov.ua">Template:Cite web</ref> Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Sweden were established on January 13, 1992.

Template:Flag 23 December 1653 See Sweden–United Kingdom relations.

Sweden established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 23 December 1653.<ref name="britain"/>Template:Failed verification

Both countries share common membership of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, the Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, the OECD, the OSCE, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Double Taxation Convention,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a Mutual Defence Agreement,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a Strategic Partnership.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Oceania

[edit]
Country Formal relations began Notes
Template:Flag See Australia–Sweden relations.
  • Australia has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Canberra and eight honorary consulates: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Template:Flag 3 April 1979 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1979.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Flag See New Zealand–Sweden relations.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Template:Reflist

Further reading

[edit]
  • Elgström, Ole, and Magnus Jerneck. "Activism and adaptation: Swedish security strategies, 1814–85." Diplomacy and Statecraft 8.3 (1997): 210–236.
  • Grimberg, Carl. A History of Sweden (1935) online free
  • Horn, David Bayne. Great Britain and Europe in the eighteenth century (1967) covers 1603–1702; pp 236–69.
  • Lindström, Peter, and Svante Norrhem. Flattering Alliances: Scandinavia, Diplomacy and the Austrian-French Balance of Power, 1648–1740 (Nordic Academic Press, 2013).
  • Makko, Aryo. Ambassadors of Realpolitik: Sweden, the CSCE and the Cold War (2016) excerpt
  • Nordstrom, Byron J. The History of Sweden (2002) excerpt and text search; also full text online free to borrow
  • Salmon, Patrick. Scandinavia and the great powers 1890–1940 (Cambridge University Press, 2002).
  • Sevin, Efe. Public diplomacy and the implementation of foreign policy in the US, Sweden and Turkey (Springer International Publishing, 2017).
[edit]

Template:Foreign relations of Sweden Template:Sweden ties Template:Sweden topics Template:Foreign relations of Europe