Saudi Arabia–Sweden relations

Saudi Arabian - Swedish relations are official relations between two countries, Saudi Arabia and Sweden.

Saudi Arabian - Swedish relations

Saudi Arabia
Sweden

Relations

Saudi Arabia and Sweden began establishing relations during mid-20th century, when Sweden and Saudi Arabia both committed to neutrality throughout the World War II. Both two share a similar monarch system governing in two nations, albeit Sweden is a constitutional monarchy while Saudi Arabia is a totalitarian monarchy.

2015 human rights spat

In 2015, Saudi Arabia and Sweden embroiled in a political fallout when Sweden criticized Saudi Arabia over human rights records after Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström accused Saudi Arabia of maltreating Saudi blogger Raif Badawi. In response, Saudi Arabia and Sweden withdrew ambassadors from each other's capitals and Sweden tore down a military deal with Saudi Arabia.[1] A year later, Saudi Arabia and Sweden resumed diplomatic relations after a series of mission from Sweden to Saudi Arabia.[2][3]

Jamal Khashoggi's death

Sweden had refused to comment about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and remained committed to continue selling weapons to Saudi Arabia.[4] Previously, Sweden had scrapped arm sales for Saudi Arabia.[5]

Yemeni War

Sweden has been criticized for being complicit in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War whereas Swedish weapons were found to be frequently used by the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia to commit atrocities, previously these weapons were used to quell down protests in Bahrain.[6][7]

In response, Sweden had sought to reaffirm its commitment for peace process in Yemen. In December 2018, a Sweden-brokered agreement was signed in Swedish capital Stockholm between Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthis.[8]

Lethal weapon selling

Saudi Arabia, alongside the United Arab Emirates, is the largest buyer of Swedish weapons despite Sweden's size of population.[9]

Diplomatic missions

Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Stockholm while Sweden has an embassy in Riyadh.

See also

References
  1. "Clash between Sweden and Saudi Arabia escalates as ambassador is withdrawn". the Guardian. March 11, 2015.
  2. "The Saudi storm that blew over". August 10, 2018.
  3. Radio, Sveriges. "Sweden wants to strengthen trade ties with Saudi Arabia - Radio Sweden". sverigesradio.se.
  4. https://www.thelocal.se/20181023/sweden-not-stopping-saudi-weapons-exports-after-horrible-journalist-death
  5. Tidey, Alice (April 2, 2019). "EU divided over Saudi arms sales six months after Khashoggi killing". euronews.
  6. Radio, Sveriges. "Arms exports to dictatatorships soar - Radio Sweden". sverigesradio.se.
  7. "How can Sweden be a peace broker for the war in Yemen if it's also selling the arms that make it pos". Salon. September 4, 2019.
  8. Prashad, Vijay (September 4, 2019). "Sweden tries to have it both ways in Yemen". Asia Times.
  9. Mielcarek, Romain (September 1, 2019). "Arms sales: the Swedish model". Le Monde diplomatique.
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