Ambassador to Sweden

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Frances Sagala as Australia's next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden. The Ambassador to Sweden is also accredited to the Republics of Finland and Latvia.

This year, Australia and Sweden celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, a relationship underpinned by a shared commitment to democratic values and the rules-based international order, protecting human rights and promoting global climate action.

In 2024, Australia and Finland will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, during which period we have developed a warm and productive relationship built on a common vision founded in equality, trust and shared values.

Australia and Latvia enjoy warm relations based on strong people-to-people links and the pursuit of common interests, including the support of multilateralism, human rights, gender equality and free trade.

Australia will continue to work with Sweden, Finland, Latvia and other European Union members to conclude a comprehensive and ambitious Australia-EU Trade Agreement to expand opportunities between our countries.

Ms Sagala is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Director, Regional Maritime Security and South China Sea Section.

She has previously served overseas, including a posting in France.

I thank former Ambassador Bernard Philip for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Sweden since 2019.