It is a great pleasure to receive today your Letters of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Cyprus, together with the Letters of Recall of your distinguished predecessor. I warmly welcome you to Cyprus and assure you of my Government’s full support in the discharge of your important mission.

Cyprus and Sweden share a relationship grounded in long-standing friendship, mutual respect and a common commitment to European principles and values. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, our two countries have cultivated close and constructive ties. Yet, as strong as these foundations are, I believe that our partnership holds considerable untapped potential.

We should seize every opportunity to deepen our political dialogue and strengthen high-level contacts, while giving fresh impetus to our economic relationship. Our growing trade and investment ties provide a firm foundation, and the notable rise in Cypriot exports to Sweden in recent years is an encouraging indication of the great opportunities that lie ahead. We should also explore areas where Sweden’s experience can be of particular value to Cyprus, including sustainable development, green growth and water management.

Tourism has long been one of the most cherished links between our two peoples. Sweden stood among the countries that supported the revival of tourism in Cyprus following the Turkish invasion of 1974, helping to restore one of the most vital pillars of our economy. Today, that friendship continues to bear fruit. More than 153,000 Swedish visitors travelled to Cyprus in 2025, a figure that reflects the warmth and enduring appeal of the ties between our peoples. We greatly value these human connections and would welcome their further expansion in the years ahead.

At the same time, our relationship possesses a cultural dimension of particular significance, exemplified by the Swedish Cyprus Expedition of 1927–1931. The scholars and archaeologists who worked on our island during those years left behind not only an important body of research, but also a lasting intellectual and cultural bridge between Cyprus and Sweden. As we approach the centenary of the Expedition in 2027, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate this shared heritage, renew its relevance for future generations and further enrich the cultural ties between our two countries.

Sweden’s connection with Cyprus is also woven into the history of the United Nations (UN) on our island. Between 1964 and 1993, approximately 28,000 Swedish military and police personnel served in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Their dedication and service are remembered with deep gratitude by the people of Cyprus, and Sweden’s contribution remains an important and enduring chapter in the international presence on our island. We remain sincerely appreciative of this long-standing commitment to peace and stability in Cyprus.

The Cyprus problem remains our foremost national priority. Our objective is clear: the resumption of meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive and viable settlement, fully in line with international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the principles and values of the European Union.

In pursuing this objective, we greatly value Sweden’s steadfast support for the UN-led process and its consistent commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and confidence-building. Sweden’s contribution has extended beyond words to practical initiatives that seek to bring the two communities closer together. Among these, the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, under the auspices of the Embassy of Sweden in Lefkosia, holds a special place. For 18 years, it has brought together religious leaders united by a commitment to peace, human rights and reconciliation.

I am confident that your tenure will provide a further opportunity to deepen the bonds that unite Cyprus and Sweden and to open new avenues of cooperation between our two countries and our peoples. Please convey to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, as well as to the people of Sweden, my warmest greetings and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity.

Ambassador Cederin, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.