[France] Establishing Diplomatic Relations with Sweden

[Dutchy]

MINISTÈRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES
CABINET DU MINISTRE​

PRIVATE

Erik Sandberg
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

Paris, June 2007​

Your Excellency, Secretary Sandberg,

I have the honour to convey the warm regards of the Government of the French Republic and to recall the long-standing partnership between our two nations. France and Sweden have for centuries shared bonds through diplomacy and trade. Our nations share a common commitment to peace, democracy, and multilateral cooperation. These historic bonds, and our shared place on the European continent, offer a strong foundation for re-kindling our diplomatic relations.

In this spirit, and on behalf of His Excellency President Valérian, the Government of the French Republic has the honour to propose the exchange of ambassadors.

The Government of the French Republic has the honour to propose the appointment of Ms Célia Renard as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Ms Renard is a diplomat of distinguished service, whose professional career within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently demonstrated her commitment to strengthening international cooperation. Most recently, she has served as Deputy Director for Northern Europe at the Quai d’Orsay, where she has overseen French foreign policy in relation with the Nordic countries. The Government of the French Republic is confident that Ms Renard will carry out her mission with honour, professionalism, and loyalty, and that she will serve as a worthy representative of the French Republic in Stockholm.

Should your Government accept this proposal, President Valérian shall promptly draft a letter of credence to His Majesty, accrediting Ms Renard as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Kingdom of Sweden.

It is my hope that, following the accreditation of Ms Renard, a bilateral meeting may be convened between her and your department to discuss avenues of mutually beneficial collaboration.

Please accept, Secretary, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Thierry Chevrolet
Minister of Foreign Affairs​

Digital Diplomatic Correspondence​

Connor

 

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Holmgren Administration

June 2007​

Dear Minister Thierry Chevrolet,

This government warmly welcomes your initiative of further development between our nations. I personally value deeply the longstanding bonds of friendship, shared democratic values and the historic cooperation which has long been a thread in our commitment to one another. Your correspondence only furthers the endeavour to unite our nations. Please be assured that your proposal is received with appreciation of the Government of Sweden has the honour to convey it's acceptance of Ms Renard's appointment.

Upon her arrival in Stockholm arrangements will be made for the presentation of her credentials to His Majesty the King and once accredited the Department of Foreign Affairs would be pleased to received Ambassador Renard for consultations on the continued strengthening of Franco-Swedish relations.

Furthermore I have consulted closely with the Bureau for European Affairs who has the proposition of our own nomination, Mr Håkan Ákesson. Allow us to request the gracious agreement of your government to this appointment. Our mission in France has historically been turbulent, something I have full vested faith in Mr Ákesson to address.

In 2001 our diplomatic mission received an urgent deployment of an Armed Support Taskforce from the then National Security Office as a result of the 2001 Energy Protests which had evolved into riots, subsequently threatening the integrity of the mission. This armed contingent remains in situ as part of Operation Scimitar and has laid dormant at the mission for some considerable time since. To date, the retained provision of armed personnel at diplomatic sights works against this administrations foreign policy. As a display of our respect and trust for France, and her local law enforcement and security authorities, we would look to a total withdrawal of these personnel. A first and very key act of trust, but one best conducted together.

Nonetheless, these are details Mr Ákesson is more than capable of resolving. I look forward to our future together.


Regards,
Erik Sandberg
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

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Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

MINISTÈRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES
CABINET DU MINISTRE​

PRIVATE

Erik Sandberg
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

Paris, July 2007​

Your Excellency, Secretary Sandberg,

It is with sincere appreciation that I acknowledge your Government’s positive response to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations. I am most gratified to learn of your Government’s acceptance of the appointment of Ms. Renard as Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Sweden. I shall ensure that she is apprised of the warm welcome extended by your Ministry, and I am confident that her tenure in Stockholm will further advance the spirit of cooperation. I look forward with great interest to the outcome of her forthcoming consultations with your department.

Furthermore, I have the honour to convey President Valérian’s acceptance of the nomination of Mr. Håkan Ákesson as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to the French Republic. In view of the consultations planned to take place in Stockholm, I believe that similar meetings in Paris may be deemed unnecessary at this stage. Nevertheless, I look forward to welcoming Mr. Ákesson in the near future.

Regarding the security arrangements at your diplomatic mission, I would ask that you convey to Mr. Ákesson that he should never hesitate to contact my Ministry should any additional measures be required. Please be assured that this government is firmly committed to ensuring that all diplomatic missions in France may carry out their duties freely and without concern for their safety. If necessary, I stand ready to coordinate with the Minister of the Interior to provide additional protection through the Service de la protection (SDLP).

Please find enclosed a copy of the letter of credence for Ms. Renard. Allow me once again to express my gratitude for your prompt and gracious response, and for your Government’s openness to the renewal of our diplomatic relations. I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen and develop these ties over the course of our respective tenures.

Please accept, Secretary, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Thierry Chevrolet
Minister of Foreign Affairs​

Digital Diplomatic Correspondence​

PALAIS DE L'ÉLYSÉE​

PRIVATE

Carl XVI Gustaf
King of Sweden

Paris, May 2007​

Your Majesty,

It is with great satisfaction that I inform Your Majesty of my decision to accredit to you, in the capacity of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Kingdom of Sweden, Ms. Célia Renard, whose distinguished character, loyalty, and abilities offer me the fullest assurance that she will discharge the duties entrusted to her in a manner worthy of our mutual confidence.

She is particularly instructed to convey to Your Majesty the expression of my highest esteem, and to assure you of the firm commitment of the Government of the French Republic to the continued strengthening of the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect between our two nations. It will be her constant endeavour to foster and deepen these ties in a spirit of partnership.

I therefore request that Your Majesty receive her with goodwill, and give full credence to all that she shall communicate to you in my name, especially when she conveys to you my best wishes for your personal health and happiness, and for the welfare and prosperity of the Swedish people.

Please accept, Your Majesty, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Nicolas Valérian
President of the French Republic​

Digital Diplomatic Correspondence​

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Following the Swedish approval of the new Ambassador, Célia Renard was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Quai d’Orsay. In a brief meeting she received a comprehensive briefing from senior officials outlining the current state of Franco–Swedish relations, as well as her immediate priorities upon assuming her post. Minister Chevrolet personally presented her with the letter of credence signed by the President of the Republic.

Simultaneously, logistical arrangements were being made for her transfer to Stockholm, ensuring her travel documents were in order. Renard departed Paris on a regular commercial flight bound for Stockholm, travelling under her diplomatic passport. Upon arrival, she presented her identification documents to customs and immigration officers. If she were to pass without issue, her Deputy Head of Mission received her at arrivals and would escort her to the waiting vehicle that would take them directly to the embassy.

At the Embassy, the full staff had assembled in the lobby to welcome their new ambassador. After this initial reception, Renard was driven to Hôtel Broms, the official residence of the French Ambassador in Sweden, allowing her to settle in.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Mission contacted the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to notify them formally of Madame Renard’s arrival and to request an appointment with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs to schedule the agreed upon consultations.