Sweden's Foreign Ministry has expressed support for Ramallah's efforts toward Palestinian statehood as the Scandinavian country held its first official welcoming ceremony for a Palestinian representative.
Palestinian Ambassador Hala Husni Fariz met Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on Thursday as the Palestinians officially launch their campaign to join the United Nations as a full member state.
Like many European countries, Sweden this year upgraded the status of the Palestinian representation from general delegation to mission. Consequently, the top Palestinian diplomat is now titled ambassador.
Bildt said "Palestinian efforts for statehood have made great progress. To best express our support ... it has been natural for us to upgrade the Palestinian representation."