The Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi will be closed during 2011 as a consequence of a decision taken by Sweden’s legislative assembly to cut funding for the Government offices by 300 million krona, or over US$44 million, the embassy announced Thursday.
“Sweden will explore all ways and means not only to maintain but also to develop the close relations that we have had for more than 40 years,” the Ambassador of Sweden in Hanoi, Mr. Staffan Herrström, said in the statement.
“We hope to be able to provide more information soon,” the announcement wrote.
Mr. Herrström is the Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam since September 2010.
On Dec. 23, the date of the statement, he posted entry “Dark days in Hanoi” on his blog, which is part of the Embassy website.
“Many tears these last two days. Also from me. Budget cuts decided by Parliament leading to Embassies being closed by our Government. Including the one in Hanoi – sometime in the course of 2011,” he wrote.
“We share this fate with colleagues at our Embassies in Malaysia, Belgium, Argentina and Angola.
“People like me are appointed not only to take care of the easy processes but also – and perhaps primarily – difficult and dark days like these. We have fantastic local staff and I just feel so sad on their behalf.
“Sweden will find other ways to maintain and nurture our relations with Vietnam, and I will do everything possible to contribute to this during the time remaining for me in Hanoi.
“Today though my thoughts are circling around my colleagues around me at Nr 2 Nui Truc [embassy address]. Their challenges. Their future.
“I was pre-informed about the upcoming decision almost symbolically the darkest day during the year, December 21st. Lighter days will follow,” Mr. Herrström concluded this entry.
