Pledging conference on trade and development
Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation, and Ewa Björling, Minister for Trade, hosted a pledging conference in Stockholm on 25 September. Commitments were made to fund a multi-agency, multi-donor program that assists the least developed countries to strengthen their trade capacities.
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on Burma
"We demand that Nobel Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and all other prisoners of conscience be released. We demand freedom and democracy for the people of Burma," says Minister for International Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson in a statement.
Carl Bildt's visit to the USA
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt currently on a visit to the USA, 22-28 September. His visit will begin in Washington and continue on to New York and the General Debate of the UN General Assembly.
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on Burma
"The world's eyes are now focused on Burma. I would like to express our strong support for the people of Burma in their struggle for a democratic future. The Burmese government now has the opportunity to initiate a peaceful dialogue and to respect the people's freedom of expression and assembly. We urge the regime to take that chance", says Minister for International Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson in a statement.
Cecilia Malmström and Carl Bildt to attend Troika talks in Prague
On Wednesday and Thursday, 19-20 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström will meet the Czech Republic's Deputy Premier for European Affairs Alexandr Vondra and Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg, as well as France's Minister of State responsible for EU Affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet, in Prague.
Start of the new parliamentary working year
The new parliamentary working year starts today with the opening of the 2007/08 Riksdag session. The ceremony in the Chamber will start at 14.00. At the request of the Speaker, the King will declare the session open. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will then present the Statement of Government Policy.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva meets Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfelt
On Tuesday, 11 September the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio da Silva, is to pay a State Visit to Sweden. During his visit he will meet Fredrik Reinfeldt for talks.
Following this meeting a press conference with President Luiz Inácio da Silva and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will be held at Rosenbad.
Ewa Björling new Minister for Foreign Trade
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt decided today to appoint Ewa Björling Minister for Foreign Trade. Ewa Björling was born in 1961, lives on Ekerö and is a Member of the Riksdag (Parliament) for Stockholm County, serving primarily on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs. She has been a Member of the Riksdag since 2002.
Sten Tolgfors new Minister for Defence
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt today appointed Sten Tolgfors Minister for Defence. The Prime Minister commented on the appointment as follows:
"During his time as Minister for Foreign Trade, Sten Tolgfors has shown good leadership qualities and an ability to successfully position Sweden in international contexts. Mr Tolgfors has been a Member of the Riksdag, a Political Adviser at the Ministry of Defence and has worked for the Swedish Red Cross. Through this, the prospects for success are good regarding the continued renewal of the Swedish Armed Forces and stronger international operations aimed at promoting international peace and security, and thus to our own security."
Statement by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt concerning the discussion of the cartoon published in Sweden
"Sweden is a country where people of different faiths can live together side by side. The foundation of this, our social model, is mutual respect and understanding, but also a desire for joint repudiation of offensive acts as well as acts of violence or aggression. Our social model is also based on the premise that politicians must not pass judgement on freedom of the press and expression, which are inalienable components of our country and our democracy.
The will to provoke must not overpower the will to engage in dialogue. Should it do so, it would jeopardise the potential for understanding and meetings between different cultures and religions. Let me be the first to express regret that people have now been upset or offended. Personally, I would never consciously act in a way that is perceived as provoking or offending other religions."
