Sweden–Syria relations

Sweden–Syria relations
Map indicating locations of Sweden and Syria

Sweden
Syria

Sweden–Syria relations are the bilateral relations between the two countries. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1947.[1] Since the onset of the Syrian civil war, they have had suspended relations, and Sweden shared an embassy alongside Denmark in Beirut, Lebanon.[2]

History

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1947, when Sweden's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Syria, Widar Bagge, presented his credentials. He was accredited with residence in Cairo.[1] However, Sweden opened its embassy in Damascus in 1974, while Syria established its embassy in Stockholm in 2001.[2]

In February 2006, several thousand demonstrators in Damascus set fire to the building housing the Danish, Swedish, and Chilean embassies, due to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.[3]

Syrian civil war

Due to worsening security conditions following the emergence of the Syrian civil war, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs scaled down operations and staffing at the Swedish Embassy in Damascus in 2012. Since then, the embassy had not been continuously staffed, with its functions primarily handled from Beirut.[2]

In August 2012, Sweden hosted a conference for the Syrian National Council (SNC) to support a democratic future for Syria, funded with SEK 430,000 from the Swedish aid budget. However, concerns arose when SNC leaders, including Vice President Burhan Ghalioun, discussed supporting the Free Syrian Army, which raised questions about the alignment of Sweden's aid with democratic principles.[4]

Humanitarian assistance

Sweden was a significant contributor to humanitarian efforts in Syria, focusing on alleviating the suffering caused by the prolonged conflict. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) implemented strategies aimed at strengthening resilience, enhancing human security, and promoting human rights and democratic development in Syria and its neighboring countries. Sweden’s regional strategy for the Syria crisis, initially covering 2016–2020, was extended through 2023, with a total allocation of SEK 3.210 billion.[5]

In 2019, Sweden contributed approximately US$2.7 million to UNICEF's emergency response, improving access to lifesaving assistance and basic services for vulnerable children and families in Syria.[6]

In response to the February 2023 earthquake in Syria, Sweden provided SEK 80 million through Sida to support UN organizations, the Swedish Red Cross, and Islamic Relief Sweden. The aid included fuel, tents, and medical supplies for those affected.[7]

Post-Assad relations

Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Sweden, along with several other European countries, temporarily suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrians to reassess the evolving situation in Syria.[8] In addition, Sweden continued monitoring the situation in Syria, balancing its humanitarian commitments with evolving migration policies. The Swedish government remained engaged in supporting Syria's transition and addressing the needs of both Syrian refugees and those within Syria's borders.[9]

In November 2025, Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell and Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa visited Syria and agreed to cooperate on the return of Syrian nationals convicted of crimes in Sweden.[10] In February 2026, Swedish Deputy Minister of Migration and International Development Cooperation Anders Hall met Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar in Damascus to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, including cooperation in judicial and commercial affairs, legal and trade frameworks, and facilitating economic exchanges, investment and trade.[11] As of March 2026, Sweden allocated an initial SEK 143 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria through the Sida, prioritizing humanitarian needs, protection, resilience and support for vulnerable populations.[12] In June 2026, Sweden appointed Jessica Svärdström as its ambassador to Syria ahead of plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, while Sweden also expanded its support for reconstruction, economic recovery and voluntary refugee returns.[13]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Syria: From Foreign Office Files". UK National Archives. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "Sweden's Embassy in Damascus". Sweden Abroad. 23 May 2024.
  3. ↑ "Scandinavian Embassies in Damascus Set on Fire". Sveriges Radio. 4 February 2006.
  4. ↑ "Examination of Sweden's Involvement in Syria". Proletären. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  5. ↑ "Sweden's Regional Strategy for the Syria Crisis 2016-2020 (Amended and Extended)". ReliefWeb. 19 June 2020. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  6. ↑ "Sweden contributes US$2.7 million to UNICEF's emergency response for children in Syria". UNICEF. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Sweden's Support to Those Affected by the Earthquakes". Sweden Abroad. 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "European countries halt Syrian asylum applications after Assad's fall". Reuters. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  9. ↑ "Sweden's Regional Strategy for the Syria Crisis 2024–2026". Government of Sweden. June 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  10. ↑ Wallis, Emma (28 November 2025). "Sweden and Syria announce cooperation for returns of migrants convicted of crime". InfoMigrants.
  11. ↑ "Syria and Sweden explore new horizons for partnership". SANA. 11 February 2026.
  12. ↑ "Humanitarian Crisis Analysis 2026" (PDF). Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. 31 March 2026.
  13. ↑ "Sweden Names Jessica Svärdström Ambassador to Syria". Enab Baladi. 26 June 2026.
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