Honorary Consul for Norway is discussed
in an article in Global Atlanta: https://
www.globalatlanta.com/in-unusual-move-
swedens-honorary-consul-also-assumes-
norwegian-post/
Why did you want to represent
Sweden as an Honory Consulate?
My mother came to the U.S. from Sweden
and my father likewise immigrated from
Norway. I have extensively traveled to both
countries and have regularly visited my
relatives there, and vice-versa. I am thrilled
to honor both of my parents’ memories and
my heritage by representing both countries.
What is an interesting story from
your work as Honorary Consul of
Sweden?
Shortly after my appointment as Honorary
Consul for Sweden, my wife and I were
able to travel with the Consular Corps to
Stockholm and to meet with King Carl XVI
Gustaf and his wife Queen Silvia at the Royal
Palace. I also hope to be able to similarly visit
Norway in the future.
How does this role impact your
legal practice?
I have developed an appreciation for how
truly international Atlanta has become. In
connection with my consular duties, I have
become exposed to the broader international
community, and it has inspired me to focus
on international business as one of my main
legal practice areas.
Christopher
Smith
Denmark
How did you become a Honorary
Consulate?
12
February/March 2020
Christopher Smith and wife Lyubena being presented to Her Royal Highness Queen
Margrethe II & her late husband Prince Henrik.
My involvement with Denmark began after
I founded the Annual Georgia European
Union Summit in 2001. Through this
event I met Kent Fallesen who then served
as the Trade Commissioner of Denmark
in the southeastern U.S. At his request I
began giving lectures on U.S. law to Danish
companies in Denmark. I also became
very involved with the Danish business
community in Georgia and served on the
board of directors of the Danish American
Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta. Due
to my heavy involvement with Denmark, I
received an invitation from the Royal Danish
Embassy in Washington to serve as their
Honorary Consul in Georgia as was officially
appointed in 2006.
Why did you want to represent
Denmark as an Honorary
Consulate?
My appointment was a pleasant surprise
as I did not seek or lobby for the position.
However, it has been a delight to represent
Denmark. The Danish Realm is a fantastic
combination of both the old and the new. It
is the oldest Kingdom in Europe steeped
in tradition and graced with natural beauty.
At the same time it is an innovative nation
whose companies produce products on
the leading edge of many technologies.
Denmark is also a founding member of
NATO and has long been a close ally of the
U.S.
What is an interesting story from
your work as Honorary Consul of
Denmark?
There have been many wonderful highlights
during my tenue as Honorary Consul.
Meeting Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II,
being Knighted and meeting the Crown
Prince and Princess among them. The coolest
thing I have done as Honorary Consul in
Georgia was to host a party on board the tall
ship Danmark when she visited Savannah.
How does this role impact your
legal practice?
The role has allowed me to meet many
interesting people and has exposed me to
knowledge I otherwise would not have
obtained.
Learning about the history