Relations between the United States and Sweden are based on a common heritage dating back to 1638, when the first Swedish immigrants arrived on the coast of Delaware. Sweden was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the United States in 1783 and the two countries have maintained a strong bilateral friendship based on common values and mutual interests ever since. Sweden is an Opportunity Partner (EOP) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and plays an active leadership role on the international stage, from its long-term investments in Afghanistan to its role as a global peacemaker. Sweden is also a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, participates in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and serves as the U.S. protective power in North Korea. Sweden`s commitment to promoting global democracy, human rights, gender equality, international development and sustainability make Sweden a leading moral leader in international affairs. As a major donor of humanitarian aid, Sweden spends about 1% of its gross national product each year and is a major bilateral partner of USAID. In this area, Sweden has developed around the world in terms of prioritizing gender equality in development aid. Sweden remains a strong defender of Ukraine`s sovereignty and territorial integrity and works with the United States to promote stability in the Baltic Sea region and maintain transatlantic security. “We have also seen countries looking inward, which is partly understandable, but it has also led to unfortunate measures such as restrictions on the flow of medical care, as we saw very early in the crisis.

There is also a challenge for policy makers as they struggle with important policy issues, such as digital trade or climate, to find the right balance between good regulation and then measures that move to protectionism,” said Ambassador Philip. “The greatest risk in all of this is the possible intersection between protectionism and geopolitical competition, where they can intersect in a destabilizing way. That`s why I think we have to recognize that this is an environment in which we have to work very hard,” added Ambassador Philip. Ambassador Philip stressed that there were still some clear spots. Australia has a new focus on multilateralism, including its commitment to the G20, the OECD and the WTO, which is more important than ever. An example of Australia`s support for multilateralism is the Covax facility, which will allow equal access to the vaccine when it comes. A comprehensive overview of political, economic and bilateral and regional trade agreements. Australia and the European Union continue to make progress in negotiations on the free trade agreement.

Ambassador Philip concluded with encouraging signs: “The overall picture is one with encouraging signs.” There are some sensible adjustments that could indicate increased political protectionism, whether it is greater resilience in supply chains or from a national security perspective and greater attention to investment screening. “Australia`s view, which I believe is also shared by Sweden, is that this must be done as part of a free trade support building,” said Ambassador Philip. Relations between Australia and Sweden are external relations between Australia and Sweden. Australia has an embassy in Stockholm. Sweden has an embassy in Canberra and a consulate general in Sydney. Sweden is also represented by consulates in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth. Offers can be in euros or Swedish kronor (SEK) or as agreed between the parties. Sweden is part of the European Union. Relevant trade agreements in the EU can be find here. Regarding the friendship between Australia and Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf said that the two countries were “identical in many ways.