Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar on way to present his Letters of Credence
30 September, 2010
His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden on 30 September 2010
Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar presented his Letters of Credence appointing him as Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the the Kingdom of Sweden to His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden at the Royal Palace
in Stockholm on 30th Sept, 2010.
Ambassador Sajjanhar was escorted by the Marshal of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Johan Nordenfelt from India House at Villagatan 13A to the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a formal Meeting and Reception by the senior Officials of the Ministry in the Blue Room. He met HE Ms. Caroline Vicini, Chief of Protocol, Mr. Klas Molin, Deputy Director General and Head of the Asia Pacific Department in the Swedish Foreign Office and had brief discussions about promotion of India-Sweden bilateral relations.
From the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Sajjanhar was driven in a 4 horse drawn carriage to the Royal Palace. The road leading from Lake Malaren to the Royal Palace was lined on both sides with tourists and common bystanders who waved and cheered as the carriage drove by.
Inside the Palace the entourage of Ambassador Sajjanhar comprising of Defence Attache Col Rajiv Edwards and First Secretary Madhumita Hazarika was accorded a formal Welcome and Reception by sounding of bugles and with pomp and fanfare by the Royal Band.
Ambassador and the entourage was introduced to the Grand Marshals of the Royal Court and other senior functionaries before being escorted to the presence of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf.
In his 30 minute interaction with His Majesty the King of Sweden, Ambassador Sajjanhar discussed in depth the evolving and growing relations between India and Sweden.
Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and sincere good wishes from the President of India to the King and people of Sweden for their good health, happiness and prosperity in the coming years. He handed over his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor to King Carl XVI Gustaf. The King also warmly and sincerely reciprocated his good wishes for the happiness and success of the President and people of India.
King Carl XVI Gustaf fondly recalled his State visit to India in 1993 as also his visit to India as the Leader of the Royal Technology Mission in 2005. He also mentioned the very pleasant and fruitful visit of Crown Princess Victoria to India in 2008.Discussions on further expanding and deepening bilateral ties in political, strategic, economic, commercial, cultural, defence, scientific and technological relations were held. King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed confidence that the coming years offered bright opportunities and prospects for further expansion of bilateral partnership and engagement. Sustainable development, energy, biotechnology, health care, education, skill development were identified as some area which offer great potential for deepening and strengthening ties.
After the audience with His Majesty Ambassador Sajjanhar was escorted back to the Indian Embassy by Ambassador Nordenfelt.
A Reception was hosted by Ambassador and Mrs Sajjanhar in the evening on 30th September, 2012 which was attended by senior officials of the Swedish Foreign Office, Members of Indian Parliament, Academics, intellectuals, members of the Indian community and others.
