[Spain]: Message to Sweden

[Zak]

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Dear Secretary Carl Bildt,

The Kingdom of Spain offers its warmest greetings to the Kingdom of Sweden and reiterates our steadfast commitment to the longstanding and constructive relationship that exists between our two nations. Our collaboration across political, economic, security, and humanitarian spheres continues to underscore the shared values and mutual respect that define our partnership.

In this spirit of enduring cooperation, Spain would like to reaffirm its support for Sweden’s stabilizing presence and efforts in South Africa, which we view as contributing to regional order and long-term development. The recent South African general election marks a pivotal moment in the nation's trajectory, and we recognize that it presents both opportunities and complex challenges for the international community.

Accordingly, we would welcome Sweden’s analysis of the electoral outcome, including its implications for governance, stability both domestically and internationally, and economic recovery within South Africa. Moreover, we respectfully request an outline of Sweden’s current and forthcoming objectives in the region, particularly in regard to the administration in the country, integration efforts, and civil infrastructure development, where applicable.

Spain remains aligned with Sweden’s objectives insofar as they contribute to a rules-based international order, regional peace, and a constructive diplomatic framework. We are eager to explore avenues for greater coordination, whether through bilateral engagement or multilateral platforms, and stand ready to offer technical expertise, humanitarian assistance, or joint operational support should Sweden require such contributions as valuable to their mission in South Africa

We thank you in advance for your openness, and we look forward to deepening our dialogue both digitally and in-person on this and other matters of shared strategic interest.

Kind Regards,
José Manuel Albares
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Spain

Connor

 

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Reinfeldt Administration

August 2006​

Dear Minister José Manuel Albares,

Please ensure appropriate security classification is appended to any future correspondence on this subject matter.

I hope you can accept my appreciation for your recent correspondence to my office. European relationships remain one of the highest priorities of this administration and Spain is no exception - we are committed to a fruitful and beneficial partnership between our nations. This partnership however I fear has been left to fester for far too long and we should endeavour to make reparations.

I have no doubt that we can strengthen our bilateral relationship especially given your support for our international interests. This is something I would be keen to explore.

The situation in South Africa is complex. We have remained clear with our intent in the region - our key focus is stability, safety and equality. The rule of law, human rights, peace and fair diplomatic process is essential and we will remain absolutely clear that these are unconditional requirements. Sweden was key in the abolishment of an apartheid regime and the establishment of our longstanding, strong diplomatically elected administration within the region has ensured these our key objectives, enshrined in our ethical values, have remained unchallenged by unsavoury foreign interest. My office is actively engaged with productive talks to shape the future of South Africa following recent domestic political change however we will remain absolutely committed to ensuring the best outcome for the people.

I, along with the Prime Minister, am not blind to some national in the international theatre that have remained consistently opposed to our action in South Africa - albeit many are unable to articulate any sound reason why aside from political words and slogans - but our intent is absolutely pure and has been for almost a decade.

Whilst talks are ongoing in relation to the future of South Africa, I will be unable to comment much further than I already have. However, that said, we will not forfeit stability in South Africa under any circumstances.

Regards,
Carl Bildt
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Department of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

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

 

[Zak]

Kingdom of Spain
Security Classification: ENCRYPTED​

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Dear Secretary Carl Bildt,

Thank you for your recent correspondence and for the clarity with which you have expressed your views. Spain deeply values its relationship with your nation, and I wish to echo your sentiment that our partnership is one worth continuing and building upon not merely out of historical obligation, but because of our shared commitment to justice, stability, and international cooperation.

I must also acknowledge with regret that our bilateral relationship has, indeed, seen a period of inaction. For this, allow me to extend Spain’s sincere regret. It is never our intention to allow distance or silence to diminish the potential of a meaningful and productive partnership. Rather, we see this moment as an opportunity and a chance to reinvigorate our dialogue and give fresh energy to our shared interests.

Your principled stance on South Africa and your administration’s ongoing efforts to safeguard stability, human rights, and lawful governance are noted with respect. Spain also remains deeply committed to these values and to international approaches that prioritize the dignity and welfare of the people affected. We fully recognize the importance of regional ownership in navigating political transitions, and we trust that your continued engagement will contribute to a lasting and equitable outcome for South Africa.

While we fully understand the sensitivities surrounding the matter and appreciate the constraints on further comment at this time, let me assure you that Spain views principled leadership grounded in the values you’ve outlined as the foundation of global cooperation.

In the interest of restoring our relationship and deepening the dialogue between our countries, I would be honoured to extend a formal invitation to you to visit Madrid at a mutually convenient time. We believe such a visit would mark a constructive turning point, allowing us to forge new paths forward in areas of mutual concern from regional security and diplomacy to trade and cultural exchange.

Kind Regards,
José Manuel Albares
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Spain

Connor

 

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Reinfeldt Administration

August 2006​

Dear Minister José Manuel Albares,

Thank you for your voice on the situation in South Africa and allow me to afford your our appreciation for your continued support on the matter - we will be sure to call upon our friends, allies and partners from the international community to ensure that peace and stability in the region is upheld. It is our view that a retained Swedish presence in South Africa, at least in the interim, is necessary for this to take place; this is the only legally, ethically and logistically sensible approach.

Restoration of our relationship is key and I would be happy to graciously accept your invitation to Spain. I understand your timetable is just as busy as my own with upcoming domestic issues but I would be keen to prioritise a development in our relationship. Please advise me of your earliest availability.

Could you also please advise me of the security, accommodation and domestic transportation arrangements once I am in Spain and whether for not I will need to liaise with the Swedish National Security Office to establish if vehicles, security personnel and accommodation plans need to be made internally for my travel.

Regards,
Carl Bildt
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Department of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

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

 

[Zak]

Kingdom of Spain
Security Classification: ENCRYPTED​

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Dear Secretary Carl Bildt,

Thank you for your considered response and for your kind words regarding our continued engagement on the situation in South Africa. We share your view that a sustained Swedish presence is both prudent and necessary to support peace and stability in the region, and we remain committed to working closely with our international partners to uphold these shared values.

I am equally pleased to hear of your willingness to accept the invitation to Spain. I believe this meeting presents a valuable opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen our relationship, and I look forward to meaningful and constructive discussions. With regard to scheduling, I am currently holding an open diary to accommodate us both. You can visit Madrid whenever your schedule allows such a visit. I fully recognise the demands of your schedule, and I appreciate your prioritisation of this engagement.

On matters concerning your visit, my team will liaise directly with yours to provide a comprehensive outline of security arrangements, accommodation, and domestic transportation. Should coordination with the Swedish National Security Office be necessary for elements of your security detail, we will ensure that appropriate channels are engaged promptly and efficiently. I have attached a list of our security arrangements arranged for this visit but please do not hesitate to communicate any specific preferences or requirements in advance, so we can make the appropriate provisions to ensure a smooth and secure visit.

Kind Regards,
José Manuel Albares
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Spain

Security Arrangements

CLASSIFIED AND ENCRYPTED
Spain, in coordination with its national security apparatus and in respect of diplomatic protocols, will ensure the following:

Armoured Motorcade
The Secretary will be provided with a fully armoured, government-registered motorcade consisting of.
- One primary armoured vehicle for the Secretary.
- A lead security vehicle with armed escort personnel.
- A trailing support/security vehicle as needed.
- All vehicles will be operated by experienced government drivers with security clearance.

Close Protection Detail
- A dedicated close protection team from the Spanish National Police’s VIP Protection Unit will accompany the Secretary at all times.
- The team will operate under a secure, pre-approved itinerary coordinated with your advance team and, if necessary, the Swedish National Security Office.

Venue and Route Security
- All official venues, including meeting locations and lodging, will be swept and secured in advance.
- Transport routes will be cleared and monitored with support from local law enforcement and the Guardia Civil.

Accommodation
- The Secretary will be hosted at the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá, a five-star, diplomatically secured hotel located in central Madrid.
- The hotel is accustomed to hosting high-ranking officials and offers restricted-access executive floors, private meeting suites, and full-service diplomatic protocols.
- A secure perimeter and surveillance will be maintained throughout the Secretary’s stay.
- Alternatively, should the Secretary prefer a government residence or embassy accommodation, this can be arranged in consultation with your office.

Domestic Transportation
In addition to the motorcade.
- A standby vehicle will be available for unscheduled travel.
- Airport transfers will be managed with VIP access through Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport’s diplomatic channel.
-Helicopter transport can be arranged for regional visits if required.

@Cconnor

 

[Zak]

Connor (Tag in original post didn't tag.)

 

[Connor]

Kingdom of Sweden Reinfeldt Administration

August 2006​

Dear Minister José Manuel Albares,

Unfortunately Secretary Bildt has expressed his unexpected unavailability for the planned diplomatic meeting between our states - an unavailability that has been brought to my attention as a result of our keen focus on the construction of a strong relationship between Sweden and Spain. The Secretary expressed to me personally that he feared his withdrawal from the planned visit may be seen negatively by your government.

Please allow me to stress that Secretary Bildt is extremely busy with commitments to the current political situation in South Africa which, as you can expect, has taken priority. It is essential that a matter of this significance received the necessary attention to prevent a negative spiral in peace, something we are keen to avoid for obvious reasons.

As an expression of respect I will personally visit Spain in the place of Secretary Bildt, providing this is suitable?

Regards,
Maud Olofsson
Deputy Prime Minister
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden
Kingdom of Sweden

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

Zak

 

[Zak]

Kingdom of Spain
Security Classification: ENCRYPTED​

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Dear Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson,

Thank you for your communication regarding Secretary Bildt’s unavailability. We fully understand and appreciate the demanding nature of his commitments, especially given the critical developments unfolding in South Africa, which undoubtedly require his utmost attention and expertise.

Please convey to Secretary Bildt that Spain holds the relationship with Sweden in the highest regard, and we remain committed to the strong ties between our countries. We recognize the importance of prioritizing global peace and stability, and we support the focus on resolving the situation in South Africa with the care it deserves.

Your kind offer to personally visit Spain is warmly welcomed and reflects the spirit of respect and cooperation that underpins our bilateral relations. We would be honored to receive you at a mutually convenient time, and I politely request that the security arrangements in my previous correspondence to the Secretary for our meeting are okay for your personal comfort. Please rest assured that the door remains open for Secretary Bildt’s visit in the near future when circumstances allow.

Kind Regards,
José Manuel Albares
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Spain

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Stockholm, Sweden
August 2006

Security arrangements were approved as forwarded by the Spanish government.

The Deputy Prime Minister would consult with the National Security Office who would assign her a Close Protection Detail (CPD) consisting of at least three inner and four outer covertly armed agents to remain in the company of the principal at all times. Outer officers to maintain a sterile area around the principal and inner protection agents.

She would enter a motorcade to take her to Såtenäs Air Base, home of the Skaraborg Air Force Wing, 1st Special Transport Squadron, 1st Special Transport Flight. The motorcade would consist of one 'pilot car' (Chevrolet Suburban 2500) directly in front of the escort, controlling the precise pace, position, speed and timing and supported by at least six onwards outriders from local police on motorcycles managing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, observing hazards and advising the pilot car of the most suitable route. Second to the pilot car heads two 'support vehicles' (Chevrolet Suburban 2500) containing the aforementioned Close Protection Detail situated at the front and rear of the principal armoured vehicle (Rolls Royce Phantom VII). Finally two 'counter assault vehicles' containing Uniformed Protection Officers and a 'rear guard' vehicle from local police to fend off the motorcade in a marked vehicle.

An Airbus A330-300 would stand proud waiting for the Deputy Prime Minister. For the Swedish Air Force ground crew, preparing the aircraft was a meticulous but familiar process. Essential to ensure the safety of dignitaries in their almost daily venture around the world. Each step in the preflight routine was designed to ensure the safety and readiness of the massive machine.

The exterior of the aircraft was checked for damage whilst other staff moved along the wings, inspecting the flaps, slats, and access panels. At the landing gear, the tires were inspected for wear and leaks, using a flashlight to sweep over the massive assemblies. High on a maintenance ladder, ground crew inspect the engine, checking the fan blades for foreign object damage. Inside the cockpit, the captain and co-pilot worked methodically. Systems came online one by one as switches were flipped and displays lit up. Navigation systems are prepared whilst almost systematically they checked the flight instruments and verified the fuel and hydraulic readings. Every gauge and display was scrutinised to ensure accuracy.

Outside, the refuelling operation took place, ensuring the tanks were loaded to mission specifications. The ground crew confirmed the distribution of fuel and inspected the hydraulic systems, watching for smooth movement in the flaps and landing gear. In the cargo hold, pallets of supplies were loaded and secured. Technicians ran final checks on the refueling boom, ensuring it was ready for aerial operations. Defensive systems were tested and armed as needed, completing the aircraft's mission readiness.

With the exterior, cockpit, and mission systems verified, the ground crew reconvened for a final review, the A330-300 stood ready, its systems prepared and its crew poised for the mission ahead.

Once the principal was on-board with the CPD, the aircraft would depart destined for Spain. Now adopting callsign SWEDE-1. An encrypted notification would be sent.

Zak