Director-General at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt said that the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Sweden is a highly significant event, given that it will be His Highness's first visit to Stockholm, in addition to it coming at a time when Qatar is presiding over the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The director-general told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar and Sweden have excellent bilateral relations, which will be further solidified by the visit of His Highness the Amir. Juhlin-Dannfelt noted that the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ways to enhance and deepen co-operation in various fields, such as development co-operation, in which Qatar plays a crucial global role, in addition to bilateral co-operation with regards to Afghanistan, with Qatar and Sweden actively engaging there to find ways for collaboration.
The director-general at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs added that Qatar excels in mediation and resolving difficult issues between countries that have no agreements, thus, there will certainly be room to discuss such matters between both countries, especially the situation in Gaza amidst a conflict that everyone hopes to see come to an end.
He said that the political consultations between Qatar and Sweden have facilitated the exchange of views, discussing prospects for joint co-operation, and resolving issues, with a future focus on means to increase bilateral co-operation and closeness.
Juhlin-Dannfelt expressed hope that the visit of His Highness the Amir will enhance bilateral relations and be an occasion to discuss co-operation in various fields, particularly in green transformation, climate change, and international peace and security. He pointed out that the visit is expected to see the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements in certain sectors.
HE the director general at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs praised Qatar's prominent role in Afghanistan, including hosting talks between the Taliban and the United States, in addition to the existence of a Taliban embassy in Qatar, which enabled the international community to engage with the group, with an important Qatari role in this regard.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said that this massive war poses a significant threat to Sweden, which is the reason behind the country joining Nato. He highlighted the heavy focus on development co-operation efforts and military support for Ukraine, which is currently top priority at all levels.
Juhlin-Dannfelt expressed Sweden's appreciation for Qatar's positions on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, including its significant efforts in reuniting Ukrainian children with their families and facilitating prisoner exchanges.
Juhlin-Dannfelt concluded by commending Qatar's historically important role in Gaza, noting that Qatar provided the funding that kept Gaza alive even before the current war, in addition to paying civil service salaries in coordination with various parties. He also said that Qatar is now the main negotiator for a ceasefire and peace there.
