Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends,Bem vindos!
I am very honoured to be here in Luanda today. Our two countries enjoy a long-standing close relationship dating back to Angola’s struggle for independence. Sweden recognised Angola as an independent nation in February 1976, thereby becoming the first western country to do so.
Over the years Angola and Sweden have maintained an intensive political dialogue and I would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance that the Swedish Government ascribes to this relationship. Sweden was, as is well-known, for many years the largest donor and a leading partner here in Angola during the hard times.
When I see Angola with my own eyes I feel great satisfaction from the fact that Sweden now consolidates its position by letting the Embassy in Luanda live on. The role of the Swedish Embassy is that of a catalyst for deepening our already good relations even further. We will continue to strengthen Angolan–Swedish relations and to host you and other friends in this charming residence, established almost thirty years ago.
Given that Angola has undergone a rapid and most impressive economic development in recent years, our relationship will no longer be based on traditional aid programmes, instead we put focus on strengthening our bilateral commercial relations and to become partners in trade.
Together with me here today is Ms Sandra Skogar, who only two weeks ago was appointed Trade Counsellor at the Embassy. She is responsible for the Trade Office within the Embassy and a symbol of the importance Sweden attaches to its bilateral commercial relations with Angola.
Also with me is the proposed new Honorary consul of Sweden for Angola, Mr Svend Thomsen, who will be an important support to our Embassy.
In the near future, I also hope that my Government will be in a position to present a carefully selected candidate to the position as new Swedish Ambassador to Angola.
Together with you and others interested developing our long-standing relations with Angola, this new team will make up our Embassy. And I intend to follow its activities personally and hope it will also stand as a model for other Swedish embassies and diplomatic missions.
And now, please join me in a toast for the success of this new venture!
Skål!!