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Embassy of Sweden Canberra, Australia

Local time 7:35 PM

Honorary Consuls from Southeast Asia and Oceania attended royal reception in Stockholm

Honorary Consuls are vital links for Sweden internationally. Their work spans trade promotion, cultural exchange, and support for Swedish citizens abroad.

In late May 2025, four Australia-based Honorary Consuls and three New Zealand-based Honorary Consuls visited Stockholm to take part in the Honorary Consul Conference, hosted by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

As part of the official program, the Consuls were honoured at a distinguished royal reception at the Royal Palace, hosted by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria.

The event brought together 30 Swedish Honorary Consuls from across Asia and Oceania, underscoring their vital role in advancing Sweden’s global engagement.

Representing Australia and New Zealand at the conference were:

  • James Letherbarrow (Sydney, Australia)
  • Benjamin Sandquist (Melbourne, Australia)
  • Kevin Stephens (Darwin, Australia)
  • Lisa Jahrsten (Perth, Australia)
  • Catharina Andersson  (Auckland, New Zealand)
  • Daniel O'Leary (Wellington, New Zealand)
  • Tinni Lindén (Wellington, New Zealand)

However, they weren’t the only ones with ties to Australia and New Zealand in such high-level event. Also in attendance were Ambassador-Designate to Australia and New Zealand, Klas Molin, and Carina Engman, Head of Administration at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra, further underscoring the strong diplomatic ties between our nations.

During the ceremony, HM The King and HRH Crown Princess awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star to ten Honorary Consuls, including all four Australia-based and two of the New Zealand-based representatives in attendance.

Honorary Consuls are vital links for Sweden internationally. Their work spans trade promotion, cultural exchange, and support for Swedish citizens abroad.

In his address, King Carl Gustaf praised the Consuls’ dedication, emphasising their contribution to Sweden’s international reputation and in fostering meaningful business and cultural ties between Sweden and the Asia-Pacific region.

Last updated 01 Jul 2025, 10.35 AM