Cooperation to reduce youth crime
On Tuesday 5 April representatives of government agencies, local authorities and non-profit organisations gathered at Rosenbad Conference Centre for a seminar on how society can better prevent young people from getting involved in crime.
We are investing in the railways
This week's newsletter covers the Government's proposal to enhance action on railway operation and maintenance. Passengers and businesses alike must be able to count on trains and rail services working properly, and that they are reliable throughout the year. It is important that trains run on time and that rail transport works well, both to facilitate people's everyday life and for Sweden's economy and growth.
The aim of the international operation in Libya is to protect civilians. Here, a doctor on the roof of the Benghazi court building. Photo: Aljazeera English/Flickr (CC)
Go-ahead for Libya operation
On Friday the Riksdag gave its approval for the Government's proposal to send Swedish armed forces to Libya. Sweden's participation will contribute to maintaining a no-fly zone. The operation involves a Swedish armed force of around 130 people, consisting of air defence forces and support resources, who will be able to participate for a maximum of three months.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt deplores death in Côte d'Ivoire
"I am deeply saddened to learn that Swedish citizen Zahra Abidi has fallen victim to the ongoing conflict in Côte d'Ivoire," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement on Friday.
Fredrik Reinfeldt received Anders Fogh Rasmussen
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on 31 March. The meeting was one of NATO's regular consultations with its different partner countries. Sweden contributes to ISAF and KFOR, which operate in Afghanistan and Kosovo respectively.
Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the operations in Libya and Sweden's contribution, NATO's new security strategy, including the new threats such as cyber security, and NATO operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo.
Photo: Ninni Andersson Swedish Government
Closer economic cooperation between Sweden and Russia
On Wednesday, 30 March Minister for Trade Ewa Björling received Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Sergei Ivanov. The meeting took place within the framework of the Swedish-Russian Steering Committee, which is a trade and economic cooperation forum at ministerial level.
In conjunction with his visit Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt received a courtesy call from Deputy Prime Minister Ivanov. The discussion focused on bilateral Swedish-Russian relations.
Closer economic cooperation between Sweden and Russia
On 30 March, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will receive Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov, who is visiting Stockholm with a broad delegation. The meetings will take place within the framework of the Swedish-Russian Steering Committee, which is a trade and economic cooperation forum at ministerial level.
Carl Bildt welcomes decision on no-fly zone over Libya
"I welcome the UN Security Council decision that gives a mandate to stop attacks by Gaddafi on Libya's civilian population through military force. I hope that the measures made possible by the Security Council resolution can lead to a political process that entails a new Libya without Gaddafi. As regards a no-fly zone, we are now waiting for NATO's decision. Should NATO request Sweden's assistance, we will consider such a request.", says Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carl Bildt.
EU and Sweden introduce sanctions against Libya
The Swedish Government and the Council of the European Union today decided to introduce sanctions against the Libyan regime. The move follows a decision on sanctions by the United Nations Security Council this weekend. The EU decision, which represents a tightening of the UN sanctions, involves the freezing of the Libyan leader's foreign assets and a ban on the import and export of weapons.
Tuesday: Bildt in Nablus, East Jerusalem
Carl Bildt's tour of the Middle East continues. On Tuesday the Minister for Foreign Affairs visited East Jerusalem and Al-Quds University, where he met students and gave a lecture on "Economic opportunities and political challenges in the Middle East and North Africa". Mr Bildt emphasised the major economic opportunities existing in the region, provided that both political and economic reforms are implemented and trade and economic cooperation between countries in the region increase.
