To enhance its diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria, Sweden intends to set up a trade office in Lagos.
The office is set to be inaugurated by Crown Princess Victoria Désirée of Sweden on Tuesday.
Désirée revealed this during a reception held in her honour in Abuja on Monday.
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She stated that the move highlights the strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Désirée said, “As we heard, next year marks 56 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Over the decades, our bond has grown stronger, particularly in trade and economic cooperation.
“Today, our collaboration spans many sectors—from renewable energy and sustainable transport to digital solutions.
“A testament to this deepening partnership is Sweden’s new trade office in Lagos, which I have the great privilege of inaugurating tomorrow.”
READ MORE: Crown Princess Victoria Of Sweden To Visit Nigeria On Official Tour
She also highlighted the robust cultural exchange between Sweden and Nigeria, noting the influence of Nigerian art and literature on Swedish society.
She pointed out that a significant symbol of this connection is a bronze wind sculpture by acclaimed Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, which was installed in 2022 at the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in Stockholm.
She said, “Our strong bond is also evident in the rich cultural exchange between Nigeria and Sweden. This is reflected in art, music, fashion, film, and literature. Many Swedes have gained a deeper understanding of Nigerian culture through the words of the Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka.
“In 2022, the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in Stockholm—named after my daughter—acquired a beautiful, site-specific wind sculpture in bronze by the world-famous Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare.
Yes, it’s nice. We’re very proud of it. In the winter, its purple batik prints from Nigeria create a very beautiful contrast with the white snow in Stockholm.
“The sculpture also captures the lightness of air despite being crafted from solid, heavy bronze, which is quite amazing. Seeing this artwork in the heart of Stockholm makes me both happy and proud. It’s a beautiful, permanent link between our two countries.”
Sweden’s ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, remarked that the Crown Princess’s visit symbolizes the enduring and cordial relationship between Sweden and Nigeria.
“Diplomatic relations between Sweden and the Federal Republic of Nigeria were established in 1961, just after Nigeria’s independence. Next year, we will be celebrating 65 years of diplomatic ties,” Hahn-Englund said.
The ambassador emphasised the evolution of the relationship, stating that over the years, both nations have collaborated in political, commercial, and cultural sectors.
She further noted that Sweden recognises significant potential for increased collaboration, particularly in digitalization, innovation, the green transition, and the creative industries.
“We already have about 40 Swedish companies present in Nigeria today, including multinationals like Ericsson, Atlas Copco, SKF, Arla, Scania, and Volvo.
“Smaller firms in edtech, fintech, agritech, and healthtech are also active. And now, with Business Sweden opening a trade office in Lagos, we expect even more trade and investment,” she stated.
