Press release 21 August 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Swedish Government reverses decision to close down embassy in Luanda

The Government today decided to reverse its decision to close down the Swedish Embassy in Luanda, Angola. Instead, a pilot project will be implemented involving a new type of embassy with a limited number of operational tasks, which will secure Sweden's presence in the country at a reduced cost.

"I am very pleased that we have found a solution that enables us to retain the Swedish Embassy in Luanda and at the same time shoulder our responsibility for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' strained budget situation," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.

"Sweden's trade with Africa today is growing at an extremely rapid rate and Angola is one of the countries in which development looks very promising. We have listened to the views of actors who have stressed the importance of the embassy in Luanda," says Dr Björling.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs continuously reviews its organisation abroad and assesses its status in relation to external changes and changing requirements for monitoring and service. This means that over time Sweden opens new or closes existing embassies and consulates.

Ewa Björling will be travelling to Africa in October to visit Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia.