The Swedish government announced the appointment of diplomat Jessica Svärdström as its new ambassador to Syria, with her duties set to begin in August.
A statement published by Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Thursday evening, June 25, said Svärdström currently serves as Sweden’s ambassador in Beirut, while she has recently carried out the duties of interim representative of the Swedish Embassy to Syria.
She previously served as Sweden’s ambassador to Baghdad and Bamako and worked in several departments within the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, most recently as deputy head of the European Security Policy Unit.
Svärdström’s appointment comes as Stockholm continues preparations to reopen its embassy in Damascus.
This follows the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ recent confirmation that work is underway to reopen the diplomatic mission in Syria as soon as possible, without setting an official date for the reopening.
In March 2012, Sweden reduced the activities of its embassy in Damascus and withdrew its staff following the start of the Syrian revolution.
On May 11, the European Union announced the end of the partial suspension of the Cooperation Agreement with Syria, which had been partially suspended since 2011, coinciding with European pledges of new financial support packages and an anticipated investment conference to support recovery and reconstruction.
These developments came on the sidelines of the Syria and European Union Partnership Coordination Forum, held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, where European and Syrian officials presented their vision for the future shape of relations, including political and economic re-engagement, support for recovery, encouragement of investment, and creating conditions for the return of Syrian refugees.
Council of the European Union Ends Suspension of Cooperation Agreement With Syria
The Council of the European Union issued a decision at the time ending the partial suspension of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and Syria, canceling the 2011 decision to suspend parts of the agreement.
The council explained that it would fully reapply the Cooperation Agreement, which it described as an important step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the European Union and Syria.
It said the previous suspension targeted specific trade provisions in the agreement in response to serious human rights violations committed by Bashar al-Assad’s government, including provisions that lifted quantitative restrictions on imports of some Syrian products, including oil and its derivatives, gold, precious metals, and diamonds.
The Council of the European Union said the restoration of the agreement aligns with the European Union’s broader policy to support a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria and facilitate the country’s social and economic recovery.
It also considered the decision a clear political message confirming the European Union’s commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery.
European Support Packages and Anticipated Investment Conference
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica confirmed that the European Union is working to implement a financial package estimated at 175 million euros, in addition to providing a second package worth 180 million euros during the current year, as part of support for the Syrian government in reconstruction and recovery.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, she explained that European funding would help open investments in the public and private sectors and encourage European banks, as Syria seeks to rebuild and provide the necessary services to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
Šuica confirmed that Europe is working to facilitate the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees, noting that an investment conference will be organized by the end of this year to support Syria and the return of refugees.
She said the Syrian and European meeting represents a “historic opportunity,” affirming Europe’s commitment to supporting Syria in achieving recovery, reconstruction, and the transition from crisis to recovery.
She added that Syria is one of the most important countries in the eastern Mediterranean, and that its reconstruction requires joint cooperation given the scale of its major needs.
She explained that European institutions are providing support to health institutions and infrastructure, in addition to strengthening the pace of economic and social recovery and building institutions.
She said achieving recovery in Syria comes through “building the future and achieving resilience to inspire hope among Syrians.”
Syrian Vision for Recovery in Four Points
Qutaiba Qadish, director of the International Cooperation Department at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, said Syria’s national vision is based on four main points, including rebuilding infrastructure, providing basic services, achieving economic recovery, and developing central systems and public administration.
He added that the figures show the scale of the challenges and accumulated losses suffered by the Syrian economy during Assad’s rule, noting that the spread of war remnants and mines obstructs the implementation of development and recovery priorities.
He explained that the Syrian government is presenting a vision for the recovery path based on “the transition from damage to operation, from operation to service, and from there to trust.”
European Background to Rapprochement With Damascus
The European Commission had proposed the full resumption of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Syria, after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in January a new framework for cooperation with Syria.
According to the commission, the new framework aims to intensify European support for a Syrian-led peaceful and inclusive transition, meet humanitarian needs, and contribute to economic recovery efforts.
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