On April 11, 2012, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao visited Sweden and held consultations with State Secretary of the Swedish Prime Minister's Office Katarina Areskoug Mascarenhas and State Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Gunnar Oom.

Song said that China and Sweden enjoy a sound development momentum of relations and fruitful cooperation on business, science and technology. China is ready to deepen political mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Sweden. The two sides can broaden cooperation in the sectors of sustainable development and innovation, support businesses to increase mutual investment and provide greater facilitations to that end.

The Swedish side expressed satisfaction with the smooth development of bilateral ties. It is willing to share the successful experience of sustainable development and innovation with China and strengthen the bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Both sides agreed to further step up cooperation between the two foreign ministries and enhance coordination and cooperation in Arctic affairs. Sweden supports China to become an observer of the Arctic Council.

The Swedish side introduced its views on the current European economic situation and extended welcome to China to play an active role in the process of handling crisis by the EU. Song said that China is glad to see the positive progress European countries have made to solve their debt problems. The European debt issue does not hinder the development of China-Europe relations but creates new opportunities for the two sides to deepen cooperation. China believes that the European side has the wisdom and ability to walk out of the current difficulties and embrace greater development.

The two sides also discussed the exchanges of high-level visit between China and Sweden, the Syrian situation and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Chinese Ambassador to Sweden Lan Lijun was present at the consultations.