Start of the new parliamentary working year
The new parliamentary working year started today with the opening of the 2008/09 Riksdag session. The ceremony in the Chamber started with the request of the Speaker, that the King declare the session open. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt then presented the Statement of Government Policy.
New strategy for cooperation with Mozambique
On September 12 the Government adopted a new strategy for development cooperation with Mozambique for the period 2008-2012. The appropriation for Mozambique will amount to SEK 750 million per year. For many years Mozambique has been one of the major recipients of Swedish development assistance.
Stockholm strategy for a more child-friendly Europe
Sweden is organising a European conference on the rights of the child during its chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The aim of the conference is be to forge a common strategy for 2009-2011. The conference is held in Stockholm on 8-10 September and it is hosted by Göran Hägglund, Minister for Health and Social Affairs.
Serbia's foreign minister Vuk Jeremic visits Sweden
On September 9 Serbia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic met Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to discuss closer ties between Serbia and the EU and other issues.
Carl Bildt to attend Nordic-Baltic meeting of foreign ministers in Pärnu
On 9-10 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Pärnu, Estonia to attend a Nordic-Baltic meeting of foreign ministers. Among the items on the agenda are the EU Baltic Sea strategy and the conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Agreement reached on more effective development assistance - Gunilla Carlsson pleased with final declaration in Accra
Recipient countries will have greater responsibility. Donor countries must get better at delegating work and reducing micromanagement. Sweden's own reform agenda has contributed to greater international efforts.
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to meet Cyprus President Demetris Christofias
On Friday 5 September Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will be meeting President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, who is on an official visit to Sweden. The meeting agenda includes the Cyprus issue and current EU issues.
Extraordinary European Council meeting
An extraordinary meeting of the European Council will be held today, Monday 1 September, in Brussels. The meeting will be devoted to the crisis in Georgia. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt will represent Sweden at the meeting.
Sweden to send military observers and logistics support to Georgia
At an extra cabinet meeting today, the Government decided to make equipment available to the OSCE mission in Georgia via the Swedish Rescue Services Agency. In addition, last week the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to recruit military observers for the OSCE mission. The reason behind the two decisions is that the OSCE mission in Georgia is to be substantially expanded.
Angela Merkel to visit Sweden
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to visit Sweden on Monday 25 August for talks with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The agenda includes preparations for the Swedish EU Presidency in autumn 2009, climate and energy issues and current foreign policy issues.
