Sweden will remain fully engaged in supporting dialogue and confidence-building on the island, its new Ambassador to Cyprus, Henrik Cederin, said on Wednesday, pledging support for a "mutually acceptable, sustainable and comprehensive solution" to the Cyprus problem based on international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles. Cederin made the remarks while presenting his credentials to President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace.
Religious track and historical ties
Cederin said the Swedish Embassy in Nicosia would continue to facilitate the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, now in its 18th year, by engaging with Cyprus' religious leaders committed to "human rights, peace and reconciliation."
He also pointed to the upcoming centenary of the Swedish Archaeological Expedition to Cyprus, whose excavations began in 1927. "The Swedish Cyprus Expedition (1927–1931) established a solid basis for our good relations already 100 years ago and it continues to serve as a platform for the further strengthening of the links between our two countries and peoples," he said.
Bilateral and economic relations
Cederin said Sweden and Cyprus, as EU member states, shared a responsibility to "further reinforce the workings of the Union as well to strengthen its standing in the world," citing joint commitments and mutual solidarity as a foundation for bilateral ties. He congratulated Cyprus on its recently concluded Presidency of the Council of the EU and pointed to potential for further exchanges between Swedish and Cypriot companies, as well as people-to-people contacts, in areas including sustainable development, green growth, water management, gender equality and education.
He noted that some 28,000 Swedes have served with the United Nations in Cyprus since 1964, and that roughly 150,000 Swedish tourists visit the island each year.
President Christodoulides: "considerable untapped potential"
Receiving Cederin's credentials, Christodoulides said Cyprus and Sweden shared a relationship built on "long-standing friendship, mutual respect and a common commitment to European principles and values," noting that diplomatic relations were established in 1960. "Yet, as strong as these foundations are, I believe that our partnership holds considerable untapped potential," he said, calling for greater political dialogue, high-level contacts and fresh impetus to economic relations.
"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," he said. The President identified sustainable development, green growth and water management as areas where Swedish expertise could benefit Cyprus.
Tourism and UN peacekeeping legacy
Christodoulides described tourism as one of the "most cherished links" between the two peoples, recalling Sweden's support for the revival of Cyprus' tourism sector following the Turkish invasion of 1974 and noting that more than 153,000 Swedish visitors travelled to Cyprus in 2025. He also referred to the Swedish Cyprus Expedition of 1927–1931, saying the approaching centenary in 2027 offers an opportunity to celebrate shared heritage and strengthen cultural ties further.
The President expressed Cyprus' appreciation for Sweden's contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus (UNFICYP), noting that approximately 28,000 Swedish military and police personnel served in the mission between 1964 and 1993.
Cyprus problem remains "foremost national priority"
Turning to the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides reiterated that it remained "our foremost national priority," 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.
"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," he said, referring again to the Religious Track under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy in Nicosia.
The President said he expected Cederin's tenure to open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries, and asked him to convey his "warmest greetings" and a message of "sincere friendship and solidarity" to King Carl XVI Gustaf and the Swedish people.
