Australian-Swedish trade ties and possible defence collaboration are on the agenda as the nation’s capital welcomes Scandinavian royalty for the start of a whirlwind visit. 

Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria, heir to the Swedish throne, will spend three days in Canberra and Sydney meeting First Nations leaders and government representatives. 

The princess is accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel and Sweden’s Trade Minister Johan Forssell for a royal tour with the aim to “deepen bilateral relations”, the Swedish embassy says.

Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell said growing investment opportunities between Australia and Sweden, including in the renewable energy, mining and resources, manufacturing and defence sectors, would be high on the agenda.

Senator Farrell’s meeting with his Swedish counterpart will also focus on steps to conclude a trade deal between the two nations. 

Pacific Minister Pat Conroy hopes to progress talks on collaborating with Sweden to support developing countries in the Indo-Pacific.

“Australia is committed to an effective, targeted and generous development program and to being a leader in the global fight against climate change,” he said. 

“We especially value working with friends and partners like Sweden and the European Union on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

The royal program includes summits on electrification and “sustainable mining”, plus visits to the National Museum of Australia and Sydney Opera House.

Official dinners and receptions will be hosted by Governor-General David Hurley in Canberra and Sydney, with the royal couple also due to visit St Vincent’s Hospital and meet the Matildas soccer team and their Swedish coach, Tony Gustafsson.

Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel will also spend three days in New Zealand.

By Maeve Bannister in Canberra

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