A seven-member delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by its chair Aron Emilsson, visited the Philippines from March 6 to 8 to strengthen diplomatic and security ties, according to Sweden’s embassy in the country.
This visit, part of a broader regional mission, also underscores the Philippines’ strategic significance amidst the growing aggression of China in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Swedish delegation’s visit follows similar high-level visits from other countries, reflecting the importance of the Philippines in regional security and geopolitical dynamics.
The delegation’s mission focused on enhancing interparliamentary diplomacy, defense cooperation, and addressing regional security challenges.
The embassy noted that Sweden has long been committed to supporting the Philippines in maintaining regional stability and security.
During their visit, the Swedish parliamentarians met with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, members of the House of Representatives, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard, Commission on Human Rights, and the Asian Development Bank. The delegation also engaged with civil society organizations and Swedish companies operating in the Philippines.
The visit highlights Sweden’s commitment to increasing its presence and developing cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to peace, stability, and the defense of international law.
Sweden’s engagement aligns with similar efforts by other countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom, all of which have worked to bolster defense and economic ties with the Philippines amid concerns about China’s growing influence and military activities in the region.
Sweden’s parliamentary delegation also discussed the importance of multilateral frameworks like ASEAN in addressing shared regional challenges, maintaining stability, and securing vital trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.
Through such engagements, Sweden aims to promote a rules-based international order and support the Philippines in safeguarding its maritime rights and territorial integrity.
Sweden, which has maintained diplomatic relations with the Philippines since 1947, continues to focus on strengthening bilateral ties by promoting trade, investment, and security partnerships.
