Nicosia: Sweden will remain fully engaged in support of dialogue and confidence-building in Cyprus, as well as supporting a 'mutually acceptable, sustainable and comprehensive solution' to the Cyprus issue grounded in international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and EU principles, according to Sweden's new Ambassador to Cyprus, Henrik Cederin. Presenting his credentials to President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, Cederin emphasized that the Swedish Embassy in Nicosia would continue facilitating the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, which is now in its 18th year. This involves engaging with religious leaders in Cyprus who are committed to working together for human rights, peace, and reconciliation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cederin highlighted the upcoming centenary of the Swedish Archaeological Expedition to Cyprus, noting the significance of excavations that began in 1927. He remarked that the Swedish Cyprus Expedition (1927-1931) laid a solid foundation for the strong relations between Sweden and Cyprus, and it continues to serve as a platform for further strengthening ties between the two countries and their peoples.
Cederin noted that as EU member states, Sweden and Cyprus share a responsibility to reinforce the workings of the Union and strengthen its global standing. He emphasized that their joint commitments and mutual solidarity provide a solid foundation for bilateral ties and cooperation. Cederin also congratulated Cyprus on its recent Presidency of the Council of the EU, and identified areas for potential cooperation, including sustainable development, green growth, water management, gender equality, and education. He pointed out the potential for further exchanges between Swedish and Cypriot companies and people-to-people contacts, given the approximately 150,000 Swedish tourists visiting Cyprus each year and the 28,000 Swedes who have served with the United Nations in Cyprus since 1964.
Receiving Cederin's credentials, President Christodoulides acknowledged the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and common commitment to European principles and values shared by Sweden and Cyprus, noting that diplomatic relations were established in 1960. He expressed confidence in the considerable untapped potential of the partnership and called for greater political dialogue, high-level contacts, and a fresh impetus to economic relations.
President Christodoulides highlighted sustainable development, green growth, and water management as areas where Sweden's experience could be particularly valuable to Cyprus. He also emphasized tourism as one of the 'most cherished links' between the two peoples and recalled Sweden's support for reviving tourism in Cyprus following the Turkish invasion of 1974. He noted that more than 153,000 Swedish visitors traveled to Cyprus in 2025.
Reflecting on the Swedish Cyprus Expedition of 1927-1931, the President said the approaching centenary in 2027 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the shared heritage and further strengthen cultural ties. He also expressed Cyprus' appreciation for Sweden's contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus, noting that approximately 28,000 Swedish military and police personnel served in UNFICYP between 1964 and 1993.
Addressing the Cyprus problem, President Christodoulides reiterated that it remains the foremost national priority for Cyprus, with the objective being the resumption of meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive and viable settlement in line with international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and EU principles and values. He acknowledged Sweden's steadfast support for the UN-led process, its commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and confidence-building, and its practical initiatives to bring the two communities closer together, particularly through the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy in Nicosia.
The President expressed confidence that Ambassador Cederin's tenure would deepen relations and open new avenues of cooperation between Cyprus and Sweden. He also conveyed his warmest greetings and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity to King Carl XVI Gustaf and the Swedish people.
