New ambassador in Lusaka
The Government today appointed Marie Andersson de Frutos as Sweden's new Ambassador in Lusaka, Zambia. Development and trade are priority issues: "Trade and production build prosperity, in Africa as in Sweden," says an expectant Ms Andersson de Frutos.
Sweden's new Ambassador in Zambia is Ms Andersson de Frutos. Photo: Jacob Martinsson
Today you were appointed as Ambassador in Lusaka. How does it feel?
"Naturally I feel honoured to represent Sweden in one of our largest partner countries in southern Africa. It's a big challenge but also wonderful to have a chance to return to the southern African region.
My family and I have lived in several southern African countries: Angola, Mozambique and Botswana. I have also worked for several years in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Africa Department in Stockholm. I have an 'African network' which includes Zambian contacts, although I've never worked specifically with Zambia before."
Tell us a little about your background. What previous experience do you think will be useful in the new job?
"I have worked in the Foreign Service for over twenty years and in all sorts of policy areas: security policy, development policy, migration policy, trade policy and administration.
I currently work with trade promotion in the MFA Africa Department. I have worked at the request of the political leadership on increasing Swedish trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa.
Trade and production build prosperity, in Africa as in Sweden.
I will be responsible for Sweden's relations with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the regional free trade organisation that has its headquarters in Lusaka.
The country is one of the world's largest producers of copper. Unfortunately, the copper industry has been hit hard by the global economic downturn and many people have lost their jobs.
Swedish companies contribute to development. They do this not just through increased employment, but also because they train their employees and maintain high standards with regard to working conditions, the environment and social responsibility. Swedish companies take a great deal of social responsibility in Africa: for example, many engage in HIV/AIDS work for their employees and their families. That's something I want to highlight, along with the fact that Swedish companies are often good at opposing corruption."
What will be your most important task as Sweden's Ambassador in Lusaka?
"One focal point of Sweden's relations with Zambia is the extensive development cooperation with the country: my background at Sida should come in useful, I started out as a Sida representative at the Swedish embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Zambia and Sweden have very good relations that date back to the beginning of the country's independence in the early 1960s. I will continue in my predecessors' footsteps and further position Sweden among Zambia's active partners. Within the area of development assistance, Sweden works primarily with health, agriculture and energy. The Government's new Africa policy, which was adopted last year, should be reflected in our relations."
