The Prime Minister, who is in Japan, was to travel to South Korea together with three other ministers on Thursday. It has now been put on hold.
It was a fairly natural decision after last night's events, says Ulf Kristersson (M) on site in Tokyo.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk-Yeol introduced a state of emergency on Tuesday. A few hours after the critical announcement, he backed down.
Was to meet the President
Ulf Kristersson had a scheduled meeting with the President on Friday, and has, together with the Swedish delegation, followed the events during the night.
I was very surprised. I haven't followed Korean domestic politics so closely, but just like almost everyone, I was surprised by this, says Ulf Kristersson.
Have you been in contact with the President?
Not personally, but we have diplomatic channels for this. We landed on the conclusion that under the current circumstances, it's not suitable for a visit, but we'll take it later.
"Must be cleared up"
What it may mean for the Swedish-South Korean relations is too early to say, according to the Prime Minister.
We don't know yet and it must be cleared up. South Korea has robust institutions, but all this must be cleared up in South Korea by South Koreans, says Kristersson and adds:
I have neither an opinion nor insight into this right now, but I hope they clear everything up in a good way.
The Government has had contact with its South Korean counterpart on Wednesday morning, local time, and is working to find a new time for the visit.
Busch: Deeply regrettable
Also, Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch (KD), Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M), and Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M) were to travel to South Korea.
Ebba Busch says it's "deeply regrettable" that the visit won't take place.
We're following the development very closely and look forward to being able to visit South Korea at a later occasion. It's an important cooperative country for us when it comes to innovation and energy, she says.
