International Ambassadors Visit Blekinge

Since 1973, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has organized annual visits for foreign ambassadors to different regions across Sweden. On 12–13 May, the ambassadors had the opportunity to come closer to Blekinge.

Throughout their visit, the ambassadors met representatives from industry, academia, municipalities, and public organizations while also experiencing Blekinge’s coastal environment, cultural offerings, and collaborative way of working.

Promoting Trade, Investment, and International Relations

Region Blekinge is responsible for regional development on behalf of the Swedish government. Through Business Blekinge—the region’s official platform for investment and international business development, and a regional partner to Business Sweden—the region also leads Blekinge’s trade and investment promotion activities.

The ambassadorial visit created valuable opportunities to strengthen international relationships, promote Sweden internationally, and support future growth and development in Blekinge.

“We were proud to showcase a business community at the forefront of both security and the green transition. At the same time, Blekinge offers a rich cultural life, high quality of living, and a university recognized for world-class expertise within areas such as marine technology and sustainability,” says Mona Glans, Regional Director of Development at Region Blekinge.

Jessica Hedin, deputy chief of protocol at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, summarized the visit:

“It is a pleasure to showcase Blekinge, a region with so much to offer. These two days allow us to promote Sweden internationally, generate interest in Blekinge, and create new connections between businesses, institutions, and international partners. We are very grateful for the warm welcome we received.”

Ambassadors See Strong Potential for Future Cooperation

The program included discussions, site visits, meetings, and new perspectives across several sectors. During the visit to Saab Naval in Karlskrona, Croatia’s ambassador—the longest-serving ambassador within the delegation—expressed particular interest in Sweden’s defense industry.

“We share the sea, and after visiting Blekinge I clearly see strong potential for increased cooperation between Sweden and Croatia within the European Union,” says Siniša Grgić, Ambassador of Croatia.

Blekinge’s collaborative approach also made a strong impression on Arunrung Photong Humphreys, Ambassador of Thailand.

“I can see how you prioritize constructive collaboration rather than competing with neighboring regions. That is something we in Thailand can learn from,” she says.

Rwanda has a long-standing exchange with Sweden within research and education, and the visit to Blekinge provided new perspectives for Ambassador Diane Gashumba.

“In Rwanda, we are experienced in cooperation between universities and municipalities. What stands out here is the strong connection with industry and business,” she notes.

She also highlighted the Blekinge Model—Region Blekinge’s and the municipalities’ cultural guarantee program, ensuring that all children aged 3–15 gain access to professional cultural experiences.

The ambassadors also praised Blekinge’s hospitality, natural surroundings, and cultural experiences. Alejandro Alday, Ambassador of Mexico, identified opportunities for future collaboration and investment, particularly within culture and marine-related industries.

“There is much I will share with my networks within culture and the marine sector,” he says.

Catharina Rosenquist, Head of Investment and Establishment at Business Blekinge, concludes:

“We would like to thank the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs for their trust and close collaboration in organizing this visit. It has been a pleasure to welcome the diplomatic delegation to Blekinge, and they are always warmly welcomed.