Georgia's foreign minister visits Sweden
On Friday 29 August, Georgia´s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterine Tkeshaleshvili will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to discuss the situation in Georgia.
Carl Bildt to Paris
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Paris on Thursday 28 August to meet French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner, Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg and others. Their discussions will focus on the European summit due to take place in Brussels on Monday.
New Ambassador in Abuja
The Government decided today to appoint Per Lindgärde as Sweden's Ambassador in Abuja, Nigeria.
Per Lindgärde is currently Minister at the Swedish Embassy in Abuja. He has previously served at the Swedish Embassies in Nairobi and Addis Abeba, at the Permanent Mission of Sweden in Geneva and in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Africa Department.
Per Lindgärde will take up his post in the autumn of 2008.
Fredrik Reinfeldt on Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
"It is extremely serious that President Medvedev has today decided to recognise Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states." This was said by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, commenting on the situation.
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.
(Foto: Regierung online/Kugler )
Pilot project for new type of embassy in Luanda
The Government today decided to reverse its decision to close down the Swedish Embassy in Luanda, Angola. Instead, a pilot project will be implemented involving a new type of embassy with a limited number of operational tasks. This will secure Sweden's presence in the country at a reduced cost.
"I am very pleased that we have found a solution that enables us to retain the Swedish Embassy in Luanda and at the same time shoulder our responsibility for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' strained budget situation," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Gunilla Carlsson at World Water Week
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson spoke on the opening day of World Water Week in Stockholm.
"Since the 1990s, one billion people have gained access to safe drinking water. But an additional two billion need to be in the loop if we are to achieve the goals on time", Gunilla Carlsson said, referring to the Millennium Development goals to combat world poverty.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Sweden
Germany's foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Sweden on 17-18 August 2008 invited by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Election observers to Belarus
Sweden sends 18 election observers and two statisticians to Belarus prior to the parliamentary election on 28 September. Three of the observers will soon be travelling to Belarus to be in place well in advance of the election.
