IRNA – The continuous implementation of the landmark nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), by all sides is vital, the Swedish ambassador in Tehran has said in a recent interview.


“This was a major foreign policy achievement and a milestone for international diplomacy,” Helena Sångeland told IRNA while referring to the nuclear agreement which was signed injuly 2015 between Iran, the six world major powers and the EU representative in Vienna, Austria.

The historic deal was concluded during the first term in office of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani who was re-elected as the 12th president of Iran in the May 19 presidential election, Sångeland said adding that the Swedish Government is committed to non-proliferation and disarmament and the JCPOA is an important step in this regard.

“In addition, the lifting of the nuclear related sanctions offers new opportunities for trade, investment and other cooperation,” she added.

Commenting on the regional developments, Sångeland noted that Iran undoubtedly plays an important role in the region.

She added Bern hopes that Tehran can work “with its neighbors and with the international community to peacefully resolve the crises and conflicts in the region, Syria for instance.”
Touching upon Iran’s international interactions under president Rouhani’s leadership, the Swedish diplomat said “the Government of Iran has engaged constructively with a number of UN-processes.

“Iran signed the Paris climate agreement and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. Once Iran has ratified the Paris agreement Sweden and Iran can work constructively to enable its implementation.”

Referring to the issue of refugees, Sångeland said, “Like Sweden, Iran continues to host a large number of Afghan migrants and refugees.

“Iran should be commended for its efforts to provide education and health care to this large vulnerable group.”

As for Iran-Sweden relations, she noted, “…, we enjoy strong bilateral ties that date back over 100 years in time.

“Today around 100,000 people of the Iranian descent live in Sweden (and Swedes of the Iranian descent are members of our Parliament as well as the Swedish Government).”

“The people to people contacts are a great asset for both Sweden and Iran,” she stressed.

She went on to say that the relations have further developed during president Rouhani’s first term in office, adding the visit to Iran by Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in February 2017 was highly important as a number of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding covering women’s empowerment, ICT, innovation and research as well as transportation were signed between the two sides.

On political ties, Sångeland said her country and Iran have a constructive political dialogue that covers regional issues, trade, economy and financial affairs as well as multilateral cooperation and human rights.

“Before the sanctions, Iran used to be Sweden’s largest trading partner in the Middle East,” she said noting, “Although many Swedish companies stayed in Iran during the sanctions era, bilateral trade declined during the period.”

“Trade volumes are now increasing again,” she underlined adding, “In order to facilitate bilateral trade and investment, Sweden’s trade promotion agency, the Business Sweden, has established a presence in Iran.”

“I foresee also expanding cooperation in the areas of science, education and research. Student and research exchanges are important and Iranian universities have established good working relations with Swedish counterparts.”

Referring to Sweden’s efforts to expand mutual ties with Iran, she said “As a means to developing the bilateral relation, the Embassy is working actively with cultural exchange.

“In 2016, an exhibition to highlight the 250th anniversary of the Sweden’s press law was organized by the Embassy.

“In 2017, a photo exhibition called “Swedish Dads”, depicting Swedish fathers exercising their right to parental leave and caring for their children, was exhibited in Tehran.”

About the cultural measures the Swedish Embassy has taken since she took office in September last year, the diplomat noted that the Embassy has organized a number of Swedish music performances and participated in various events including the Tehran International Book Fair.

“I look forward to deepening Swedish-Iranian relations further during my time as envoy in Tehran and I see great potential[s],” she concluded.