Sweden is opening new permanent representations in Armenia’s capital city Yerevan and Azerbaijan’s capital city Baku following a decision taken by the Government in June 2013.
The Swedish Foreign Service regularly reviews Swedish foreign representation and strategic decisions are taken concerning where in the world a Swedish presence can be of most use, according to the official website of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Our presence in Baku and Yerevan enhances the conditions for Sweden to play an active role in the region and for Sweden to continue to be a driving force in the development of EU policy towards its eastern neighborhood in Europe, the Eastern Partnership,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick has welcomed the move. “Pleased Sweden is opening embassies in Baku and Yerevan,” Warlick said in a Twitter post. “Europe and US are committed to peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus,” he added.
