Human rights and gender equality important to Afghanistan's new Ambassador

Manizha Bakhtari will take up her post as new Ambassador for Afghanistan today. At present, she is Afghanistan's only woman ambassador. She has previously worked as a journalist, provided training to men and woman in human rights and gender equality, and has been Chief of Staff at Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"I look forward to working in the Nordic countries. Our cooperation partners are important for contributing to stability and development," says Ms Bakhtari.

• Interview: Human rights and gender equality important to Afghanistan's new Ambassador (In Swedish)

Demonstrations planned in Bangkok

Travellers to Bangkok should be aware that widespread demonstrations are being planned in the city. Groups loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have announced plans to demonstrate following a recent court ruling against him. The largest demonstrations are expected to be held during the weekend of 13-14 March, but demonstrators from all over the country are already expected to arrive in Bangkok today, 12 March. The Embassy recommends Swedes to exercise additional caution and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings in Bangkok as well as in other parts of Thailand. Travellers are encouraged to allow extra time for any journeys, since traffic throughout Bangkok, and also to the airport, may be seriously disrupted.

Carl Bildt comments on the Riksdag's recognition of 1915 massacres

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt comments on the Riksdag's recognition of the 1915 massacres.

• Comment: Carl Bildt on the Riksdag's recognition of 1915 massacres

Decision on appointments

On 4 and 11 March the Government and the Government Offices decided on a total of seven appointments. For more information, see the press release below.

• Press release: Decision on appointments

Fredrik Reinfeldt and Carl Bildt visited Moscow

On Tuesday 9 March, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt visited Moscow for talks with President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. This was a follow-up to the constructive discussions held in connection with the meeting in Stockholm in November last year.

• Article: Fredrik Reinfeldt and Carl Bildt visited Moscow