Honorary Consul of Sweden to Laos Per Gradin (third, from right) with other dignitaries. – Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
The Swedish diplomatic mission in Laos hosted a reception in Vientiane on Monday 17 March 2025 to welcome and introduce Per Gradin as the new Honorary Consul of Sweden. The event marked a reaffirmation of the strong ties between Sweden and Laos.
Hosting the event, Swedish Ambassador Anna Hammargren welcomed all guests and conveyed Sweden’s continued respect for the government and people of Laos.
She expressed gratitude to those attending the reception and spoke about the longstanding cooperation between the two nations. She also congratulated Laos on its successful Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024.
Hammargren further acknowledged Laos’ achievements in stabilising inflation and advancing the country’s tourism sector, emphasising Sweden’s intent to continue nurturing the positive relationship.
Per Gradin, newly appointed as Honorary Consul, thanked the Swedish government for his nomination and expressed deep appreciation to the government of Laos for accepting his appointment.
“I am honoured by this role and fully committed to strengthening the relations between our two countries,” says Gradin.
The reception was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Finance Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, as well as officials from the Ministries of Public Works, Planning and Investment, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Information, Culture and Tourism, and Justice.
Ambassadors from Australia, the United States, South Korea, the European Union, Hungary and Cambodia also participated, along with representatives from the United Nations, World Bank, UNICEF, World Food Programme and UNFPA.
Diplomatic and private sector representatives from Thailand, the United Kingdom and France, as well as members of the Swedish community in Laos, were also in attendance.
The event concluded with networking among nearly 100 guests, offering opportunities for fruitful dialogue and new connections.
Source: The Star