New Swedish Ambassador Lars Hakan Akesson Presents Credentials to President Herminie

VICTORIA, Seychelles The ambassador-designate of Sweden to the Republic of Seychelles, Lars Hakan Akesson, presented his credentials to President Patrick Herminie yesterday morning at State House, marking the formal commencement of his diplomatic mission.

Mr Akesson becomes the tenth Swedish ambassador accredited to Seychelles, succeeding Ambassador Caroline Vicini, who was accredited on May 11, 2021. President Herminie and Ambassador Akesson discussed the long-standing diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries, established in 1979.

The President congratulated and welcomed the ambassador, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will be further strengthened and expanded into new areas of collaboration. He thanked Sweden for its continued support toward the sustainable development and greening of Port Victoria, through the memorandum of understanding between the Seychelles Ports Authority and the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.

Discussions touched on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as maritime security through EUNavfor Operation Atalanta, health, training, and capacity building, as well as defence training at the Swedish International Centre. The President highlighted Seychelles Digital Transformation Agenda, aimed at improving and streamlining government services, noting that Sweden is a global leader in public service digitalisation.

Ambassador Akesson emphasised the growing relationship between the two countries and highlighted Sweden growing tourism ties with Seychelles, with nearly 5,000 Swedish visitors travelling to the islands last year. He brings decades of diplomatic experience to his new role, having held senior positions within Sweden Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including ambassadorships in France, Turkey, and Ethiopia. He will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.