• Sweden edition

Crown Princess in surprise Afghanistan trip

Published: 5 Jan 10 08:01 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/24202/20100105/

Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and her fiancé Daniel Westling on Sunday and Monday greeted Swedish soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.

"There are many of us thinking of you and appreciating the work you do. It was very rewarding for me to come meet you," the princess told the troops at Swedish-Finnish Camp Northern Lights in Mazar-e-Sharif, the Swedish military reported.

"I wish you the best of luck in your work and hope you realize what difference you are making for the people of Afghanistan."

More than 500 Swedish troops are currently deployed in Afghanistan. They are stationed in the minority ethnic Uzbek, Tajik and Hazara-dominated north of the country along with Finnish troops.

During her two-day visit, Swedish troops showed the Crown Princess around their base and took time to explain some of the equipment they use in their daily work.

Victoria also had an opportunity to test drive a CV90 combat vehicle before speaking to soldiers preparing for an upcoming mission.

"It’s been very rewarding to be here in person to get to meet you," said the Crown Princess.

"The work that’s been carried out is extremely impressive."

AFP/The Local (news@thelocal.se)

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13:28 January 5, 2010 by benomax
It is really sweet of the Crowned Princess to show such care, love and concern. Long live the Crowned Princess, keep up the good work.
13:39 January 5, 2010 by Beynch
Good for them! I'm happy that they went. Our liberal/socialist establishment needs to be taught a lesson that not everything centers around its scewed, dictatorial, antiquated, ideas. We need more, visible, Swedish representation in the war against terrorism.
19:18 January 5, 2010 by GefleFrequentFlyer
Please Beynch, it's not called "war on terrorism" anymore, rather "Overseas Contingency Operation".

What is she all dressed up in riot gear for? I think the swedish troops have only fired thier weapons twice in anger in the years they have been over there.
21:35 January 5, 2010 by GLO
Very Good..no matter what your troops do, they have a future leader ...you should be proud of your future Queen...Im impressed, Father of 4th generation US Marine..
21:53 January 5, 2010 by byke
She makes a "good [s]w[/s]Kill ambassador".
23:57 January 5, 2010 by swedekk
GefleFrequentFlyer, she was testing a suit from the bomb disarming squad in the picture.
14:53 January 6, 2010 by peropaco
Great to see the inbred took the initiative to go and visit the troops while they go about complaining about their daily massages from bearded guys. This visit will most certainly boost their lackadaisical morale
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