Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in eastern Congo
The situation in eastern Congo is serious. The Government welcomes the efforts to find a lasting solution and the initiatives that the EU and other actors have taken on the ground to secure the situation of displaced people and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Carl Bildt visiting Afghanistan on 29-31 October
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is making his first visit to Afghanistan on 29-31 October to meet President Karzai and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Spanta, and to inaugurate the new Swedish Embassy in Kabul. A trip is also planned to Mazar-e-Sharif, with a focus on the Swedish troops in the area. Mr Bildt´s agenda also includes meetings with MPs and representatives of the international community.
Consultation begins on 600 pages of measures to simplify trade in services
Clear rules for the trade in services in Europe, simpler administration for service providers and strengthened rights for consumers. This is the purpose of the measures presented in the Ministry Memorandum "Implementation of the Services Directive" (Ds 2008:75).
Sweden increases its contribution to the International Development Association (IDA)
The Government decided today to allocate SEK 6.1 billion to the International Development Association (IDA) over the period 2008-2017. The IDA is the part of the World Bank that focuses on the poorest countries. Sweden's increase is now around 33 per cent.
United Nations Day
On Friday 24 October, United Nations Day is celebrated in Sweden and all over the world. The United Nations Association of Sweden is celebrating the day with a programme at Stockholm Central Station, where the speakers will include Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
The UN has always been a cornerstone of Swedish foreign policy. Sweden is one of the largest donors to the organisation. In addition to our compulsory share (one per cent of the budget), Sweden annually makes further contributions to the various specialist bodies, development initiatives and humanitarian assistance of the organisation.
Sweden provides SEK 400 million in support for Georgia
An International Donor's Conference for Georgia is being held by the European Commission and the World Bank in Brussels on 22 October. At the Conference Sweden will announce SEK 400 million in support for Georgia.
New action plan will increase trade with Africa
In connection with Minister for Trade Ewa Björling's visit to Angola, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa, the Government is presenting a new action plan for work on increasing trade with southern Africa.
"This is the first time we have produced a plan of this kind. It demonstrates the Government's interest in the continent from a trade perspective," says Marie Andersson de Frutos, business promoter at the MFA
Press briefing ahead of OSCE's upcoming report on Muslims' situation in Sweden
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will host a press briefing on Friday 24 October with Ambassador Ömür Orhun, Personal Representative of the OSCE on combating discrimination and intolerance against Muslims. Ambassador Orhun will visit Sweden from 23 to 24 October at the invitation of the Government. Following his visit he will produce a report on the situation of Muslims in Sweden.
Carl Bildt to travel to Donors' Conference for Georgia
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is to travel to Brussels on Wednesday 22 October to attend the Donors' Conference for Georgia. The aim of the conference is to lend support to Georgia in rebuilding its damaged infrastructure following the destruction suffered in August.
New head of MFA's Middle East and North Africa Department visits Iraq
Robert Rydberg, an MFA diplomat with many years' experience, has spent several days travelling around Iraq in a helmet and bullet-proof vest on his first official trip. The new head of the Middle East and North Africa Department wanted to observe one of the most important countries in his new field of work with his own eyes. (Robert Rydberg in Baghdad. Photo: Niclas Trouvé/MFA)
