Sweden reconnects with Israel after seven years of chaotic relations

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on Monday, October 18, 2021. AP - Maya Alleruzzo

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1 min

The head of Swedish diplomacy has been making an official visit to Israel since Monday, October 18.

She met with several senior Israeli officials.

In 2014, Stockholm's recognition of the “State of Palestine” had cast a chill on relations between the two countries.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

Sami Boukhelifa

“ 

We didn't always agree.

But after all, good friends don't always get along 

, ”Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde and her Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid said at their joint press conference in Jerusalem. 

A brief statement, and on both sides every word is weighed.

A diplomatic language without gap to erase seven years of crisis and forget the differences.

► 

See also: 

Sweden and Israel thaw their relations after 7 years of quarrels around Palestine

Stockholm remains in its positions

Because since 2014, Sweden was no longer in the good graces of the Hebrew state.

First, Stockholm recognized "the State of Palestine", then the Scandinavian country accused Israel in 2016 of carrying out " 

extrajudicial killings of Palestinians 

".

With this official visit to Israel, the two countries wish to start a new chapter in their relations.

But this rapprochement does not call into question the official Swedish position.

Stockholm still recognizes Palestine as a "state".

This Tuesday, direction Ramallah and the occupied West Bank for the Swedish chief diplomat.

She is due to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials.

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