[Israel]: Email for Sweden

[Zak]

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS​

PRIVATE AND CLASSIFIED​

Recipient: Melinda Nilsson, Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Asian Affairs, Kingdom of Sweden On behalf of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and the people of Israel, I would like to extend to you and the administration of Stefan Löfven our warmest greetings. We would like to establish formal contact between our two nations and further the warm relations which have been developing since the State of Israel was formed. We believe that a strong bilateral relationship between the State of Israel and Kingdom of Sweden would be beneficial to both parties. Our governments should work together to ensure trade of culture, goods, and ideas between one another, as well as work together to strengthen the national security of both of our countries and work together in international development around the world. I would like to extend an invitation to meet with yourself and invite you to Jerusalem which is a historical city and capital city of the State of Israel, I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Yair Lapid Minister of Foreign Affairs State of Israel

Connor

 

[Connor]

Government of Sweden
Löfven Administration​

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Dear Yair Lapid,

Thank you for reaching out to my office in order to establish, as you detail, formal contact between our two nations and further the warm relations which have been developing since the State of Israel was formed. We have yet to see your government extend an arm in friendship to our government through your tenure yet I feel the warmth you describe from your correspondence. Whilst I would love nothing more than to visit Jerusalem myself in order to meet with you I am unable to leave Stockholm due to my heavy workload.

Nonetheless, I would be happy to send memorandum to Ambassador for Sweden to Israel, Erik Ullenhag in my stead. This will enable you and your government to strengthen ties with my Ambassador sent to represent our governments interests with Israel in particular. This is an incredible opportunity.

I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Regards,
Melinda Nilsson
Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Asian Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

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CONFIDENTIAL
Crown Copyright © Kingdom of Sweden
All information is subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

 

[Zak]

The invitation was accepted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and preparations were immediately made for the impending arrival of the Swedish Ambassador who would be arriving into Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, the Israel Border Police who operates within Jerusalem would dispatch two police cars to escort the Swedish Ambassador upon arriving in Jerusalem due to Palestine also declaring parts of Jerusalem as their capital, they would coordinate their efforts with the Swedish Embassy to ensure that everything ran as smoothly as possible.

Yair Lapid was eager to meet with the Swedish Ambassador to discuss relations, after all it was the first foreign politician or diplomat that he was meeting under his new portfolio as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, he knew that everything had to be precise and a selection of Jewish and Swedish snacks as well as water, juices, tea and coffee had been freshly prepared for the two to indulge in over the course of their meeting.

He stood eagerly outside the Foreign Ministry building awaiting the Ambassadors arrival.

Connor

 

[Zak]

Connor

 

[Connor]

The Swedish Ambassador would eagerly make his way down to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs dressed in a more toned-down suit whereby his tie was absent and a smart ironed shirt unbuttoned at the top in order to allow the Ambassador some fresh air in the warm temperatures. The journey would be easy, a local taxi taking him most of the way from the embassy towards the ministry, in his possession being the staple Swedish black briefcase emblazoned with the coat of arms, glued to his hands as if his life depended on it.

Upon arrival he's step from the taxi, dusting down his thin blazer and walk up to the minister, hand extended.

"Minister! Good afternoon, it's a pleasure to finally get to meet you - are you well?!"

Zak

 

[Zak]

The atmosphere in Jerusalem was tense, there was an increased security presence at the Foreign Ministry building with Israel Defence Force personnel on station as they were on high guard due to the situation in Palestine just a matter of minutes away, it was a tense region marked by conflict but it wasn't stopping the Minister of Foreign Affairs from doing his daily job. He was stood outside and welcomed the Ambassador with open arms, offering a handshake upon seeing the Ambassador offering one.

"Ambassador Ull-.. Ullenhag.. Sorry about my pronunciation, I hope that was okay? Things are well here, I am very well. Shall we head inside?"

Yair Lapid adjusted his suit jacket, turning around and gesturing the Ambassador to follow as he marched through various corridors and hallways before entering his personal office, shutting the door once the Ambassador had entered.

"Ambassador, can I get you a drink or something to eat?"

Connor

 

[Connor]

The Ambassador chuckles with it not being unusual for the Israeli community to struggle with the pronounciation of his name, nonetheless he continues to smile and shake the Ministers hand firmly before being invited inside. The Ambassador follows through the various hallways and stands awkwardly as he waits to be invited to take a seat.

"I would love a water, three and a half ice cubes, a small slice of lemon of no more than six grams weight rolled prior to slicing and with a metal straw... if that's possible please? Will you be eating during this meeting?"

Zak

 

[Zak]

The Minister passes the precise demands onto the catering team who tended to the needs of the Ambassador, bringing his drink and resting it on a coaster on the office table before resting a soda on another coaster in front of the Ambassador who took his jacket off before placing it on the coat hanger next to his desk. He offered the Ambassador to take a seat at the office table before the Ambassador took his seat in which a large Israeli flag was precisely in the middle of the office draped from the wall.

"I may have a snack or two during the course of the meeting. Would you like something later on? I can have the catering team head to IKEA down the road so you feel at home prepare something if you're feeling hungry."

Connor

 

[Connor]

Once the order was taken the Ambassador takes his seat and leans back, only attempting to gauge as to whether there would be an awkward moment where he'd be watching the Minister eat. He decides it's probably best to play it safe and makes a food order...

"Hm, could I have a butter and jam sandwich with the crusts cut off nd then further cut into four small triangles with half a packet of cheesy crisps on the side of a plastic plate please? I suppose I am a little peckish!"

Once the catering arrangements were sorted the Ambassador would cross his legs one over the other and sit deep into the chair before they begin the formal agenda.

"Minister, let me first start by saying it's a pleasure to finally meet you, I am sure we have much to discuss this afternoon!"

Zak