Sweden to open six embassies
The Government today decided to open embassies in Kigali (Rwanda), La Paz (Bolivia), Monrovia (Liberia), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Pristina (Kosovo)and Tirana (Albania).
"We see a clear need to strengthen Sweden's diplomatic presence in these locations, particularly in view of our substantial development cooperation in these countries," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Ewa Björling and her Canadian colleague discussed free trade
On 3 May, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling met her Canadian colleague Peter Van Loan in Stockholm. At the meeting they both noted that there are many similarities between Sweden and Canada. One of these is that both countries advocate free trade.
Carl Bildt spoke in New York about limiting nuclear arms
Carl Bildt spoke today, 3 May, at the opening of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in New York.
Mr Bildt spoke about the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons and the challenges to achieving this. He gave three examples from the past year of how non-proliferation efforts are moving ahead: the UN Security Council Summit, the new START treaty between the US and Russia on making further substantial reductions to the countries' strategic nuclear arsenals and the successful Nuclear Security Summit in Washington last month.
Tasting in progress
On 28 April a TV team took over the residence of the Swedish Ambassador in Jakarta. Together with Indonesian top chef Teuku Kelana, Ambassador Ewa Polano prepared Swedish dishes and talked about Swedish cuisine. The TV programme will be aired on Indonesian channel MetroTV later in May.
Four new ambassadors
The Government has today decided to appoint four new ambassadors. Staffan Herrström has been appointed Ambassador to Vietnam, Lennarth Hjelmåker has been appointed Ambassador to Tanzania, Ingrid Hjelt af Trolle has been appointed Ambassador to Norway and Ruth Jacoby has been appointed Ambassador to Italy.
Gunilla Carlsson receives Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger
On 28 April, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson received a visit from Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger. During his two-day visit to Sweden, Mr Spindelegger will also meet Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson and Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin. He will also visit Swedish schools and pre-schools.
Minister for Trade to take part in opening of World Expo in Shanghai
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will visit Shanghai and on 1 May will take part in the opening of the World Expo and the Swedish Pavilion. During her visit, Dr Björling will also meet with representatives of the business sector in Shanghai and take part in the opening of a seminar on business ethics.
Developments on the Korean Peninsula in focus
The three Member States of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC), Poland, Switzerland and Sweden, held their annual meeting in Stockholm today.
The NNSC confirmed its support for a permanent peace solution between North and South Korea. In a joint statement, the NNSC members expressed the hope that relations between the countries on the Korean Peninsula would develop in the spirit of cooperation to the benefit of both parties.
New Ambassadors
The Government today appointed four new Ambassadors and one Consul-General. The decision concerns Sweden's Ambassadors to the United Kingdom, Canada, China and Singapore and the Consul-General on Åland.
Carl Bildt to visit Tallin
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will visit Tallin on 22-23 April to attend the annual Lennart Meri Conference and the ISAF meeting that will be held in conjunction with the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers. During the visit the Minister for Foreign Affairs will also take part in the 50th birthday celebration for the former Estonian Prime Minister Mart Laars.
