Reddy Charlton managing partner awarded Swedish order of chivalry

The Order of the Polar Star was conferred on Paul Keane by King Carl XVI Gustaf in the Royal Palace in Stockholm yesterday. The Order was founded in 1748 and is intended as a reward for foreign citizens for personal services to Sweden or Swedish interests.

Since 2010, Mr Keane has served as the Honorary Consul General of Sweden and chairs the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.

In both roles, he has promoted and supported Swedish/Irish relations by providing a forum for business and individuals from both countries to meet and collaborate through business and cultural activities.

Speaking at yesterday’s ceremony, Mr Keane said: “I am deeply honoured to be awarded the Order of the Polar Star, particularly as it is in recognition of work that I enjoy so much.

“It has been my privilege to serve as the Honorary Consul General of Sweden for the past seven years. In that time, I have developed a true appreciation of the ties that bind our two countries - socially, culturally, politically and economically.

“There is a breadth and depth to this relationship. In Ireland’s recent financial crisis, it is to be remembered that Sweden came to our financial aid. In 2010, a loan of €1 billion was given to the State by Sweden and Denmark.”

Mr Keane continued: “There are approximately 2,000 Swedish citizens living in Ireland.Swedish businesses such as Ericsson are major employers. Ireland and Sweden are important trading partners; the Nordic Region being one of Ireland’s most important export markets.

“In 2016, Swedish exports to Ireland were in excess of €6.9 billion and Irish exports to Sweden were €17 billion.”