First bilateral forum of Botswana and Sweden took place in Stockholm
Representatives from Sweden and Botswana met in Stockholm for the first time in the newly established Bilateral Forum of the two countries on the 4th of May.
Ambassador Samuel O. Outlule, Ambassador Bernadette S. Rathedi and Director general for Trade Anders Ahnlid meet in Stockholm. Photo: Embassy of Botswana
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Anders Ahnlid, Director General Trade, Mr. Jan Knutsson, Director General International Development Cooperation at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and H.E. Permanent Secretary Samuel O. Outlule, Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Ministry in Botswana.
The two countries emphasized their long and warm relations and the mutual ambition to strengthen and deepen the joint cooperation.
The parties exchanged views on international trade policy priorities including the ongoing EPA-negotiations. Furthermore, the forum welcomed the establishment of the Swedish Trade Council in Gaborone and agreed that the countries will work together to promote and strengthen commercial relations.
The countries agreed on the importance of confirming the continued cooperation within the framework of the Swedish Governments new strategy for development cooperation with Botswana, and to move swiftly towards the adaptation of the strategy. The forum acknowledged the focus on promoting and supporting cooperation between actors with mutual interest as well as the Swedish pledge to continue its support to the fight against HIV/Aids in Botswana through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
The two countries shared views and ideas on foreign policy issues of mutual interest, including the global financial crisis, and agreed to continue the political dialogue.
It was agreed that the next Bilateral Forum will be held in Gaborone during the first half of 2010.
