Sweden assessing aid to RP after embassy closes

MANILA, Philippines – Sweden is assessing whether or not to continue providing aid to the Philippines after it closes its embassy in Manila next month.

Fredrik Agerhem, second secretary of the Swedish Embassy, said Stockholm is in the process of assessing its financial assistance to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.

“We have not taken a final decision yet. It is being discussed in Stockholm,” Agerhem said in an interview at the presentation of the Europe Month festivities to mark the founding of the European Union (EU) on May 9.

Although Sweden is considering cutting its aid to the region, Agerhem said Stockholm’s assistance to Cambodia and Laos will continue.

“These are two countries that need our help more. They are less developed compared to the Philippines and Vietnam,” he said.

The Philippines expressed deep concern over Sweden’s decision to close its embassy in Manila this year at a time when relations between the two countries are flourishing in all fields.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said the bilateral trade between the Philippines and Sweden is growing, investments are increasing and tourism exchanges are rising.

In addition to the economic and consular imperatives, Romulo stressed that the Philippines and Sweden cooperate on many issues of mutual concern and significance: counter-terrorism, migration, human trafficking, development cooperation, interfaith dialogue and health.

But he said that Manila will not close its diplomatic mission in Sweden.

Sweden said the decision to close the diplomatic mission came after a continuous review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of its organizations abroad and assessment of its status in relation to changes in the surrounding world and changing requirements for monitoring and service.

“This is an ongoing process which sometimes leads to Sweden opening new or closing existing embassies and consulates. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs must also adapt its organization abroad to its budget and meet the demands for streamlining that apply to all ministries and government agencies,” the embassy said.

After the closure, another Schengen embassy in Manila will handle applications for visas.

An honorary consulate will be established to provide basic consular support to Swedish citizens. Other duties, such as commercial and political issues will be handled by another Swedish embassy in the region through accreditation.

Aside from the Philippines, Sweden will also close its embassies in Angola and Laos.

Reports said Sweden will open new embassies in Afghanistan, Sudan and Belarus this year as it plans to increase its humanitarian and financial aid to those countries.

Sweden will open an embassy in Kabul early next year to closely follow political developments in Afghanistan and participate actively in international cooperation.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin said the decision to close an embassy is often a cost-cutting measure but diplomatic relations with the host government remain strong.