New Swedish Ambassador Presents Credentials In Honiara

New Swedish Ambassador Presents Credentials

A new Swedish Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Sven-Olof Petersson has presented his letter of credence to the Acting Governor General and Speaker of Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza Wednesday this week.

Ambassador Petersson is very proud to represent his country in Solomon Islands because Sweden was the first country to appoint an Honorary Consul to the Solomon Islands straight after Independence in 1978.

He said Sweden and Solomon Islands are far apart, but there are common interests between the two countries areas such as Forestry and Mining.

Ambassador Petersson said Sweden was far more develop than Solomon Islands and would like to share its wealth in the development of Solomon Islands.

The Swedish diplomat knew about Solomon Islands during his studies of relations between Sweden and Solomon Islands at the Karolinska Institute, during which he began to appreciate the uniqueness of Solomon Islands as a Country.

Ambassador Petersson noted that trade between Sweden and Solomon Islands is very limited and this should be improved to give opportunity for Swedish companies involved in mining and forestry to do business in Solomon Islands.

“I am more willing to support possibilities of exports from Solomon Islands to Sweden, he added.

Caretaker Governor General Sir Allan Kemakeza congratulated Ambassador Sven-olof Petersson for his appointment as Sweden Ambassador to Solomon Islands.

Sir Allan said Sweden was among the first twenty countries that have established diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands after gaining independence in 1978 and also was the first county to appoint an Honorary Consul in Solomon Islands.

He said despite not having active bilateral interaction for over three decades, Solomon Islands still continue to maintain and enjoy cordial relations with Sweden.

ENDS