Tehran: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has expressed disappointment over the recent actions and decisions taken by Sweden that have strained diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araqchi, in a message on his X account, lamented the decline in Iran-Sweden relations, recalling a time when Iranian enterprises highly valued Swedish brands like Scania and Volvo. He mentioned that over the past decade, there has been a significant shift, with Sweden ceasing non-sanctionable exports of vital medicines, including specialized gear for children with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). This message was in response to a tweet from his Swedish counterpart concerning the condition of Ahmad Reza Jalali, a security convict in Iran.
Araqchi criticized Swedish authorities for their decision to grant citizenship to an Iranian national convicted of serious offenses, highlighting that the individual has minimal ties to Sweden. He conveyed that these actions are puzzling from Iran's perspective, especially given the convict's access to medical care despite his offenses. Araqchi urged Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to reconsider these decisions to prevent further deterioration in bilateral relations.
He expressed pride in the Iranian community in Sweden and emphasized the potential for lawful trade between the two nations. Araqchi called for an end to unproductive rhetoric and suggested opening a new chapter in Iran-Sweden relations.
Earlier, Araqchi condemned a recent attack on the Iranian embassy in Stockholm and requested Swedish authorities to prosecute those responsible. During a phone call with Stenergard, he stressed the importance of consultations to resolve misunderstandings and called for preventive measures against future incidents. Both ministers discussed issues of mutual interest and consular matters.
Stenergard reassured Araqchi of Sweden's commitment to protecting diplomatic missions and promised to take necessary actions to secure the Iranian embassy. An arson attack on the embassy on April 30 had caused damage, although no injuries were reported.