Swedish operation in Chad to be extended
The Government will today submit a proposal to the Riksdag to extend the Swedish contribution to the EU military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic. The Bill proposes that the Swedish operation be extended to October 2008.
Europe meets Latin America
On 16 May the fifth summit between Europe and Latin America will begin in Lima, Peru. Sweden will be represented by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, and the summit will see the heads of state and government of EU and Latin American states discuss poverty reduction and issues concerning the environment, climate change and energy. All of which are priority issues for Sweden. Per Norström, deputy head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' Americas Department, has answered some questions prior to the summit.
Extraordinary EU session on Burma
EU development ministers met on Tuesday in Brussels to discuss the humanitarian situation in Burma/Myanmar after the devastation caused by the cyclone Nargis.
Swedish strategy to combat terrorism
For the first time, a comprehensive approach to terrorism has been taken by the Swedish government. Tomorrow, it will be debated in the Riksdag.
Carl Bildt to Tbilisi
Carl Bildt is currently visiting Georgia with the ministers for foreign affairs of Poland and Slovenia. The reason for the visit is Georgia's accelerating crisis with Russia.
Sustainable cities in China
A delegation from Tangshan, China, is currently visiting Sweden to conduct discussions on enhanced cooperation in the area of the environment.
"This is the exciting start of the broadest and longest term initiative for environmental technology that Sweden has taken in China," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Statement by Carl Bildt on Burma/Myanmar
"I appeal to the authorities in Burma/Myanmar to cooperate fully with the international community and aid organisations, particularly with regard to visas, clearance and distribution of supplies, and access for aid workers to the areas affected, so that the much needed assistance can reach the people."
Ambassadors to Afghanistan and Malta appointed
Today the Government decided to appoint Svante Kilander as ambassador in Kabul. By doing so, Sweden is strengthening its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. Today the Government also appointed Ulla Gudmundson as Ambassador for Malta based in Stockholm. (Photo: Pawel Flato)
Sweden takes over the Chair of the Council of Europe
Today Sweden officially takes over the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The top priority is to strengthen respect for human rights.
"There is no doubt that the Council's most important responsibilities lie in the areas of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights and freedoms", Mr Bildt writes in his blog. Prior to taking over the chair, Mr Bildt also prepared the launch of the Council of Europe's online game to teach children basic Internet safety - the Wild Web Woods game!
Iraq Compact Annual Review Conference in Stockholm
Sweden will host the first Iraq Compact Annual Review Conference in Stockholm in Stockholm on 29 May 2008. Co-chairs UN and Iraq have invited all the UN Member States and a number of international organisations to take part in this conference. High-level representatives from some 80 countries are expected to come to Stockholm in connection with the conference.
