Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt Thursday received the new head of the Palestinian diplomatic mission to Stockholm, dpa reported. Hala Husni Fariz, to be known as ambassador, has earlier served at the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Spain. It was the first time an incoming Palestinian diplomatic representative was formally welcomed at a ceremony at the Swedish Foreign Ministry, a ministry statement said. Bildt said the efforts to build a Palestinian state have made "big strides," and urged the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks that aim for a two-state solution. Earlier this year, the Palestinian General Delegation in Sweden was upgraded to a mission.
