Above: the CARICOM Secretariat

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Sweden’s newly-accredited Ambassador to CARICOM has officially begun his term.

New Ambassador Claes Hammar presented his credentials to CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in Turkeyen, Guyana on Friday.

Hammar said his accreditation was “significant in deepening Sweden’s relations with ‘this important region.'”

“We work to promote democracy, human rights and sustainable development in cooperation with other countries, regions and multilaterally,” Hammar said of Sweden’s foreign policy.

Hammar said tackling the issue of climate change was a major priority, urging the European Union to “continue to take the lead in ongoing efforts to bring about a new global climate agreement in Paris in 2015.”

He said Sweden would “continue to make a difference by being a reliable and principled voice for democracy and freedom, a long-term, generous and accountable aid donor, and a patient and consistent voice for free trade and multilateral cooperation.”

Hammar is based in Stockholm although he regularly visits the Caribbean region.