Nepal-Sweden Relations

Nepal-Sweden Relations

Political Relations

Diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the Kingdom of Sweden was established on 10 June 1960. The longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries is based on cordiality, friendship and cooperation. The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Sweden. Similarly, Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Nepal. Both countries have appointed Honorary Consuls in each other's capital.

Exchange of Visits

Exchange of visits at high levels have contributed in strengthening the relations between the two countries.

From Nepal

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola visited Sweden in 2000. Similarly, a parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Mr. Daman Nath Dhungana visited Sweden in 1993. The earliest recorded visit from the Nepali side to Sweden was in 1985, when a delegation led by the Minister for Water Resources visited Nordic countries, including Sweden. In addition, several visits have taken place in various cities in Sweden in connection with participation in international meetings.

From Sweden

The most recent high-level visit from Sweden was a delegation led by Ms. Maria Stockhaus, Member of the Swedish Riksdag, in 2023. Other visits include a parliamentary delegation led by Ms. Margareta Cederfeldt (2018); Ms. Isabella Lövin, Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden (2016); Ms. Lena Ek, Special Representative of the Government of Sweden for the Environment (2015); Swedish Minister of Justice Mr. Thomas Bodström (2004); and the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation (1992).

The earliest recorded high-level visit was in 1993 when King Carl Gustav XVI and Queen Sylvia made a brief transit at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Development Cooperation

Sweden currently channels its assistance to Nepal through the European Union (EU), other multilateral agencies and INGOs. Previously, Sweden co-financed the Melamchi Diversion Component. It has also provided technical assistance to the Land Information System Project. In addition, a number of scholarships are offered to Nepali personnel involved in technical fields by various Swedish agencies.

Trade/Investment

The balance of trade between Nepal and Sweden remains in favour of Sweden. Major export items to Sweden include felt, carpet, knotted of wool, garments, leather items and pashmina, while import items are machinery and parts, and medical equipment. Major import items include apparatus base on the use of alpha, beta or gamma radiation for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary use, cameras, photographic, diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing and prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, etc.

The following table reflects the trend of export/import between the two countries.

(Value in 000 Rupees)

As of FY 2023/24, Sweden's total FDI stock in Nepal stood at Rs. 114 million.

Bilateral Agreement for Cooperation under Article 6 of Paris Agreement

The two countries have signed an agreement for engagement in cooperative approaches involving internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Nepal and Swedish Energy Agency on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku on 20 November 2024.

Tourism and People-to-People relations:

On an average 3,000 Swedish tourists visit Nepal every year. The table below shows Swedish tourists arrival to Nepal in the last two years.

An estimated 2,000 Nepali Diaspora currently reside in Sweden.

Europe Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As of March 2026