Sweden’s new ambassador to Tehran, Helena Sångeland, believes her country and Iran can contribute to the Middle East’s greater security and stability through bilateral talks.
In a Farsi interview with Fars News Agency, Sångeland said in addition to their economic cooperation, Iran and Sweden can hold talks on regional issues.
Expounding on the Middle East’s crises and developments, she noted, “Sweden is very much interested in knowing about Iran’s prediction about the future of the region where the country plays a very significant role.”
“We encourage Iran to make optimum use of its great influence in the region and help find a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis. Tehran can also be of great help in providing humanitarian assistance to the people in need in conflict zones.”
Swedish PM’s Visit to Tehran
Elaborating on the Saturday visit of Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven to Iran, she said he is accompanied by the country’s Minister for EU Affairs and Trade at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, managing directors of about 20 private companies as well as the officials of a number of state-run firms and universities.
Sångeland added Löfven is not very often accompanied by such a large delegation in his foreign visits.
“The visit comes at the invitation of Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani. In addition to President Rouhani, Löfven is also expected to meet with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”
Tehran-Stockholm Bilateral Trade
Commenting on her country’s trade with Iran, Sångeland said prior to the imposition of Western sanctions on Iran, Tehran was Stockholm’s most important partner in the region.
“Currently, many Swedish companies ask questions about Iran’s investment opportunities and conditions. This year (2017), Business Sweden (Swedish Trade and Invest Council) will officially open an office in Tehran to prepare the ground for the presence of the Swedish companies interested in engaging in trade activities with Iranian firms or making investments in the country’s projects.
Banking Obstacles
Referring to Sweden’s willingness to find solutions to banking and money transfer problems in trade with Iran, she stressed that financial cooperation is of the utmost importance in the two side’s economic relations, which require greater efforts to further improve.
“The Swedish government is ready to work out a solution for resolving such problems. Nevertheless, increased banking transactions between the two countries highly depends on the collaboration of Swedish banks. Banking issues are to be discussed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Tehran.”
All-Out Cooperation
Listing the fields of cooperation between Tehran and Stockholm, Sångeland said the two sides can collaborate in any given area.
“Swedish companies have considerable experience in the field of modern technologies and related products. They have also worked out effective solutions for dealing with environmental issues and mining-related problems. In addition, we have valuable experiences in the field of health and medical treatment which can be shared with Iran. In the field of education, we have great expertise that can be passed on to your related organizations.”
Moreover, she said, Scania AB and Volvo Group — two major Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturers, specifically heavy trucks and buses — can be of great assistance to Iran in the field of transportation.
Direct Flight
“Iranians constitute some one percent of Sweden’s population. Thus, direct flights between the two countries is of the outmost importance for us. We are looking for a solution to overcome the absence of such flights.”
She also said that plans are underway by Sweden to resolve the obstacles encountered by Iranian planes for refueling.
“This is a top priority for the Swedish government,” she added.
Visa Issuance
In 2016, some 18,000 Iranian nationals applied for visa to Sweden, of which 70 percent managed to obtain one, she said.
“We expect that the figure would witness a rise in the future. Most of the applicants are those who have relatives or acquaintances in Sweden. The Swedish Embassy in Tehran also issues business visa.”
Iranian Women, Society
Hailing Iranian women’s greater presence in the society compared to the past, Sångeland said the Iranian society is progressing at a speed much faster than its previous pace.
“I am quite content to see that a large number of Iranian women are engaged in social activities. They can drive and have a significant presence in diverse sectors of the society. I was very pleased to be informed that a large number of Iranian women attend university. Talented Iranian women are required to play a significant role in the development and growth of their country. I would like to see a larger number of Iranian women in the country’s job market.”
She stressed that more active involvement of women in social and political activities requires a favourable atmosphere.
Sångeland said, “Iranians have provided me with their generous hospitality. Although facing numerous challenges, Iran is developing at a rapid pace.”
The Swedish ambassador listed the Iranian cities she has visited since taking office in Tehran (four months ago) as Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan and Chabahar port, in southeastern Iran.
