Press release
17 May 2010
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Carl Bildt to Afghanistan
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Afghanistan for discussions on the new European focus concerning the policy for the country's development.
He will be in different parts of the country over the next three days, including a visit to the Swedish soldiers in Mazar-e-Sharif.
"The trip will take place immediately after President Karzai's visit to Washington and immediately ahead of the 'peace jirga', and thus provide a good opportunity to assess political developments," says Mr Bildt.
Another important discussion topic is the preparations for Afghanistan's parliamentary elections this autumn.
A decision was taken during the Swedish Presidency of the EU on a new coordinated European strategy for stability and state-building in Afghanistan.
"Our commitment to Afghanistan's development is long term and firm. But success requires better coordination of various political, economic and military measures."
During his visit Mr Bildt will discuss follow-up of both the European strategy and the various commitments from the London Conference, held in January this year. A new ministerial conference on developments in the country is planned to be held in the coming months.
This will be Mr Bildt's fifth visit to Afghanistan.
Contact
Anna Charlotta Johansson(journalists only) Press Secretary to Carl Bildt
+46 8 405 54 73
+46 70 356 30 32
email to Anna Charlotta Johansson
