Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf: Longstanding Support for Palestine, Steadfast Relations with Arab World
Through a series of symbolic gestures, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has been linked to expressions of support for Palestine, a significant cause that holds a visible place in Sweden’s modern diplomatic narrative.
Since Sweden’s landmark recognition of Palestinian state in 2014, the monarch’s congratulatory messages to Palestinian leaders and acknowledgment of Palestinian national occasions have attracted great attention on the international stage.
Despite the fact that the King’s role is ceremonial and he does not set foreign policy, these gestures have added symbolic weight to Sweden’s engagement with the Palestinian cause.
Gustaf has not made any public or official statements expressing hatred toward Israel or Israelis. However, some observers say that that there are historical and diplomatic contexts that have strongly affected Sweden’s relations with Israel.
Historical Context
In 1948, a Zionist paramilitary group killed the King’s godfather, Folke Bernadotte, Count of Wisborg and a Swedish nobleman and diplomat, in Jerusalem.
Bernadotte helped rescue thousands of concentration camp inmates during WWII.
Some observers see that this dramatic incident influenced Carl XVI Gustaf’s stance toward Israel.
King’s Notable Absence from Israel
Unlike many of his European counterparts, King Carl XVI Gustaf and the Royal family have not visited Israel since the founding of the state.
Such a fact was seen by Swedish and international media as unusual for a monarch with over five decades on the throne.
In light of Sweden’s 2014 recognition of the State of Palestine and its consistent criticisms of Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank, the King’s absence from Israel was seen by analysts and observers as a proof of his longstanding support for Palestinian self-determination.
Diplomatic Stances
Sweden has maintained a pro-Palestinian diplomatic stances by taking decisive steps to support the rights of Palestinians.
Recognition of Palestinian State
In 2014, Sweden officially recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the first European Union country to take such a significant step.
“Today, the government takes the decision to recognize the State of Palestine,” the country’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said. “It is an important step that confirms the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.”
In a response, Israel has condemned Sweden’s announcement and the Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned the Swedish ambassador.
Criticizing Israel’s War in Gaza
In May, the Swedish Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip caused by Israel, according to Reuters.
The ministry urged Israel to immediately ensure the unhindered flow of aid to the Palestinian enclave that has been suffering since October 2023.
Furthermore, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called on the European Union to suspend its trade agreement with Israel over its genocidal crimes in Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza is utterly deplorable, and Israel is not fulfilling its most basic obligations and agreed-upon commitments regarding humanitarian aid,” Kristersson added.
Public Greetings
Carl XVI Gustaf has publicly congratulated Palestine on its “National Day”, in the weeks following Stockholm’s official recognition of the State of Palestine, according to Al-Jazeera.
“On the occasion of the National Day of the State of Palestine I wish to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your health and happiness and for the prosperity of the people of the State of Palestine,” the letter, carrying the Royal Court’s official letterhead, read.
Gustaf sent the message to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, marking a noteworthy diplomatic gesture.
“As the Swedish government has recognized the State of Palestine, it has also been sent on Palestine’s National Day”, the Royal Court said in comments to Swedish news agency TT.
Cordial Relations with Arab World
Sweden has long maintained respectful relations with the Arab world, based on diplomacy, trade, as well as cultural exchange.
Notably, the King has played a pivotal role in strengthening the cooperative relations between his country and the Arab countries.
Historic Visit to Jordan
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia embarked on a historic state visit to Jordan in 2022, aimed at boosting bilateral relations in several areas including economy, education, environment, and youth partnerships.
In 1989, Jordan crowned the Swedish King with the prestigious Collar of the Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali, a testament to the strong and deep-rooted relations between both countries.
Scouting Cooperation with Saudi Arabia
In 2014, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) visited Stockholm and hold a significant meeting with the Swedish King to bolster scouting-related initiatives, according to Arab News.
During the meeting, the King and Prince Alwaleed delved into several general local, regional issues and the global economic climate.
King’s Commitment to Religious Tolerance
In 2023, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited the Fittja Grand Mosque in Stockholm – a symbolic gesture of the King’s commitment to religious tolerance and respecting Islam and Muslims.
The mosque became the first in Sweden to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer (adhan) publicly from its minaret.
By visiting the mosque, the King signaled royal acknowledgment of the growing Muslim community in his country and a deep respect for the Arab and Muslim world.
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