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May 3 2011

Wael Ghonim recieves press freedom prize from the Swedish section of Reporters without Borders

The 3rd of May is the official day for freedom of press and Reporters without Borders in Sweden announced that their annual prize will be awarded Wael Ghonim, Google’s Market Executive in the MENA region.

The motivation reads as follows:
“Because he through his curageous use of social medias, such as Facebook and Twitter, is an important source of inspiration to the Egyptian movement for democracy.”

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Sep 7 2011 “She Entrepreneurs” in Dubai for sustainable change
“To me the most important thing is to meet successful and strong women from other societies – and I hope that the women from the Middle East will be inspired by us Swedish women,” says Malin Ströman, social entrepreneur and one of the key note speakers at the follow-up of the Swedish Institute’s new program for young women social entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa, held in Dubai 12-14 of September. “Through this meeting we are creating respect for each other and a common platform for future dialogue,” Ströman says.
Aug 19 2011 Raoul Wallenberg Year 2012 launched
On 18 August, the National Committee for the Raoul Wallenberg Year 2012 held its first meeting. The Committee has been established to draw attention to the life and deeds of Raoul Wallenberg 100 years after his birth.
Aug 11 2011 Sweden to contribute SEK 40 million to the Palestinian Authority
Sweden is to contribute SEK 40 million this year via the EU financing mechanism PEGASE (Palestinian-European Mechanism for Management of Socio- Economic Aid) in direct support to the Palestinian Authority. The support will go towards salaries and pensions for employees in the Palestinian administration.
Aug 1 2011 Statement on the situation in Syria
Sweden condemns in the strongest terms the continued repression by the Syrian authorities of their own civilian population.
Jul 9 2011 Sweden recognises South Sudan
Sweden has 9 July recognised the independence of the Republic of South Sudan and intends to establish diplomatic relations.
Jun 29 2011 New tool in Arabic to assist business to comply with international anti-corruption standards
A translation of the business-anti-corruption portal was presented by Mr. Jens Berthelsen, Global Advice Network at a seminar yesterday held at the embassy of Sweden.
Jun 22 2011 Planning on going to Sweden for studies?
Then you should have a look at these two websites administered by the Swedish Instiute. The websites will help you to answer your questions and help you to get in contact with other international students in Sweden.
Jun 12 2011 Peter Forsskål, 18th Century traveller to Egypt and pioneer of freedom of expression
On the 14th of June the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of Sweden and the UNESCO Cairo Office are hosting “Peter Forsskål – Thoughts on Civil Liberty”. For the first time this world famous essay, written by the renowned scientist and traveller of the 18th century has been translated into Arabic and is to be presented to the distinguished audience of Egyptian intellectuals, lawyers, journalists and politicians.
Jun 4 2011 Embassy closed 6 June
The Embassy is closed on the Swedish National Day, Monday 6 June.
May 26 2011 ”The Guy in the grave next door” on the bank of the Nile
At 7.30 pm the doors to the embassy garden were opened for about 60 movie enthusiasts.
May 25 2011 Joint celebration of the Scandinavian National Days
During Tuesday night over fivehundred guests were gathered to participate in the reception celebrating the Scandinavian National Days.
May 22 2011 Nordic Culture Week
During the coming week (the 23rd of May to the 28th) the Nordic countries will present a range of cultural events.
May 3 2011 The Minister of Migration, Mr. Tobias Billström visits Egypt to participate in actions regarding refugees from Libya
From Monday the 2nd of May till Thursday the 5th, the Minister of Migration, Mr. Tobias Billström is visiting Egypt. He will meet Egyptian officials, such as the Minister of Interior, General Mansour El Essawy and participate in the selection of quota refugees from Libya. During his visit he will also meet with representatives from UNHCR, IOM and other organizations that work with issues regarding refugees in the region.
Apr 20 2011 Embassy closed for Easter
Between the 22nd and the 25th of April the Embassy will be closed.
Mar 30 2011 The Internet - a question of human rights
We must reduce the 'digital divide' in the world and transfer technologies between rich and poor countries, according to Frank La Rue, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression:
Mar 4 2011 Sweden provides aircraft and support to those affected in Libya
Sweden is providing an aircraft for humanitarian evacuations and SEK 33 million for support to those affected in Libya.
Mar 2 2011 Tuesday: Bildt in Nablus, East Jerusalem
Carl Bildt's tour of the Middle East continues. On Tuesday the Minister for Foreign Affairs visited East Jerusalem and Al-Quds University, where he met students and gave a lecture on "Economic opportunities and political challenges in the Middle East and North Africa".
Mar 1 2011 "Sweden can contribute to UN Human Rights Council"
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage highlighted Sweden's candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the period 2012-2015 when he addressed the 16th session today:
Feb 24 2011 Carl Bildt to Middle East for political talks
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Jordan, Israel and Palestine between 26 February and 3 March.
Feb 21 2011 Carl Bildt to Egypt for political talks
Late tonight the swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt will arrive in Cairo, Egypt, for a two day visit.
Feb 16 2011 Statement of Foreign Policy presented in the Riksdag
The European Union must be the voice of freedom and the power of democracy. These were the words of Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in the Riksdag on Wednesday when he presented the Statement of Foreign Policy, the annual programmatic declaration that sets out Sweden's work in the world.
Feb 4 2011 Prime Minister on attacks on journalists in Egypt
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt commented on Thursday evening on the widespread attacks on journalists in Egypt.
Jan 25 2011 Bildt: "The world must talk about Internet security"
We must have an international dialogue on freedom and security on the Internet and on countries' attempts to restrict citizens' access to information. This is the view of Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, who will be giving the issue priority over the coming years.
Jan 13 2011 The sacrifices were not in vain
Carl Bildt writes in an op-ed that this year marks 20 years since Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were able to regain their independence.
Dec 22 2010 New Head of EU Permanent Representation and new Director-General for Administrative Affairs at Ministry for Foreign Affairs
At the government meeting today, the Government appointed Dag Hartelius as Head of the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU, and Fredrik Jörgensen as the new Director-General for Administrative Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Dec 15 2010 Carl Bildt on the death of Richard Holbrooke
"He was no doubt formidable as an enemy, but I am certain he was even more formidable as a friend." So writes Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in the magazine `Foreign Policy´, marking the death of top US diplomat Richard Holbrooke.
Dec 14 2010 Clean Water is life
In a large and beautiful room - the Blue Drawing Room - at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, some 30 people gathered last week, full of anticipation. They are passionate about building up Iraq as a modern and sustainable society, and for this reason they were presented with a diploma from Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Oct 28 2010 The Swedish Institute Alexandria Hosts Young Leaders for Social and Environmental Regeneration
The Swedish Institute in Stockholm (SI) Young Leaders Visitors Programme (YLVP) is coming to Alexandria from 30 October to 4 November 2010.
Oct 28 2010 Possibility to check the status of applications
The Migration Board in Sweden has developed an electronic service that makes it possible for applicants (visa, students and employees) to check whether a decision has been made on their application or not.
Oct 25 2010 "All the EU's neighbours have the potential to be close political allies"
A review of the EU's policies in relation to its closest neighbours has been in progress since July this year. The review was launched by Council conclusions on the European Neighbourhood Policy in July, followed by a letter from High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle to EU foreign ministers, with a number of questions about future policy implementation. On 6 October, Carl Bildt and his Polish colleague Radoslaw Sikorski wrote a joint response. In their letter they write:
Oct 5 2010 Statement of Government Policy at the opening of parliament (Riksdag)
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt delivered the Statement of Government Policy at the opening of the Riksdag session on 5 October.
Oct 3 2010 Swedish International Development Cooperation
Within the framework of Sweden’s regional development cooperation strategy for the Middle East and North Africa, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) sponsors the third regional conference for investigative journalists in Amman November 26-28, 2010.
Sep 23 2010 Election night at the Swedish Embassy in Cairo
On the occasion of the Swedish General Elections on 19 September, the Embassy of Sweden in Cairo gathered Egyptian politicians, analysts and researchers to follow the outcome of the elections.
Sep 23 2010 Sweden has elected a new Riksdag
The 19th of September General Elections were held in Sweden and a new Riksdag was elected. It will gather for the first time at the opening of the Riksdag session on 5 October. Until then, the current Government will remain in power.
Sep 10 2010 Minister for Trade hosted iftar dinner
Today is the start of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the festival that concludes the fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. In early September, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling hosted an iftar dinner at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. This traditional evening meal breaks the daily fast at sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Sep 9 2010 Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt
Stockholm 9 September 2010
Aug 11 2010 Elections 2010
On September 19 2010 elections to the riksdag, the municipalities and to the county councils will be held in Sweden.
Aug 11 2010 Act on Consular Disaster Response
A new Act on Consular Disaster Response entered into force on 1 August 2010. The Act affects all Swedish travellers who are victims of a crisis or a disaster when they are abroad.
Jun 15 2010 Swedish publisher and translator receives royal recognition for making Swedish literature known in the Arab speaking world
The Swedish publisher and translator Mona Henning Zureikat, who has for many years worked actively to spread Swedish literature to Arabic speaking readers, was awarded a Royal Medal by HM King Carl XVI Gustaf on 8 June "For significant contributions towards distributing Swedish literature in the Arab world".
Feb 17 2010 Freedom on the Internet
Freedom and security on the Internet are one of the great global challenges of the future. Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt has initiated a debate on the subject and the Government will be prioritising these issues in 2010. Among other initiatives, Sweden will host a first international expert meeting.
Feb 17 2010 Carl Bildt presents the Statement of Government Policy on Foreign Affairs
At 09.00 today, 17 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will present the Statement of Government Policy on Foreign Affairs in the Riksdag. Read more about the Statement via the link below. Later today, at 13.30, Mr Bildt will chat about Swedish foreign policy on the Dagens Nyheter website.
Feb 12 2010 Economic growth new area in aid and development policy
"Through this new policy, the Government clarifies its view regarding the importance of economic growth as a means of promoting development and reducing poverty. For the first time, a holistic approach is being taken regarding the importance of economic growth, and applies to both Swedish bilateral and multilateral development cooperation," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Jan 27 2010 International Afghanistan conference in London
On Thursday 28 January, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will take part in the international conference on Afghanistan in London. The aims of the conference are to create the conditions for gradually handing over more responsibility to Afghanistan for the stabilisation and reconstruction of the country, to enable disarmament and reintegration of the resistance, who are prepared to lay down their arms, and to strengthen the international community's civilian efforts and secure the UN's role as coordinator of these efforts. Better governance and economic development will be key issues at the conference.
Jan 26 2010 Holocaust conference: Ten years of the Stockholm Declaration
On Tuesday 26 January the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Living History Forum will jointly hold a conference to mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration on the Holocaust. The speakers include Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Störe.
Jan 11 2010 Carl Bildt handed over Presidency of the EU to Spain
"The Presidency is not only moving from my country in the north to your country here in southern Europe, it is also moving from one era of European integration to a new one. The Treaty of Lisbon has now entered fully into force," observed Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt as he formally handed over the Presidency of the EU to Spain on Friday.
Jan 8 2010 Carl Bildt and Anders Fogh Rasmussen: Don't discount Europe's commitment to Afghanistan
In a joint article in the Friday 8 January 2010 edition of the Washington Post, Carl Bildt and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen describe the contribution the European Union is making in Afghanistan and write that it should not be undervalued by the United States.
Dec 31 2009 Embassy events during the fall of 2009
The Swedish Presidency of the European Union dominated the work of the Embassy during the fall semester. In addition to conducting day-to-day Presidency duties, the Embassy arranged a number of public events to highlight topics of priority during the Swedish EU Presidency. Attention was given to issues such as the environment, and children’s rights, which attracted large audiences and were highly appreciated.
Dec 23 2009 EU Common Foreign and Security Policy during the Swedish Presidency
The final Council meeting has been concluded and the priority issues have come to a conclusion. It is almost time for Spain to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Below, there is a summary of the results achieved in EUs Common Foreign and Security Policy during the Swedish Presidency.
Dec 23 2009 Ewa Björling positive after meeting with GCC Secretary-General
After the meeting with the GCC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling stated that the agreement is within reach.
Dec 21 2009 Sweden to open trade office in Iraq
The Government today decided that Sweden will open a trade office in Baghdad. The office will be run by the Swedish Trade Council and will open soon.
Dec 15 2009 Opening up development cooperation
Modernity, effectiveness and transparency. This is what Gunilla Carlsson called for when she launched the debate on fresh thinking, transparency and participation in development cooperation earlier in the autumn. "Today I wanted to expose some of the shortcomings in Swedish development cooperation; we are the best, but we can be better!", Ms Carlsson said during the seminar.
Dec 10 2009 Ministerial meeting between the EU and the Palestinian Authority
Foreign minister Carl Bildt will meet Prime Minister Salam Fayyad from the Palestinian Authority in a troika meeting between EU and the Palestinian Authority on 11 December.
Dec 10 2009 Carl Bildt and Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre call attention to the treatment of Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi
Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre express serious concern over the Iranian authorities' treatment of Shirin Ebadi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her efforts to promote human rights in Iran.
Dec 8 2009 EU concerned over lack of progress in Middle East peace process
The General Affairs Council today discussed and adopted conclusions on the countries involved in the EU's enlargement. At the Foreign Affairs Council, ministers sent a clear signal about the need for the parties to resume negotiations on the peace process in the Middle East. The Council meeting was chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Dec 8 2009 Carl Bildt receives award for his contributions to the enhancement of the European Union's global standing
Carl Bildt will receive the 2009 BELA Foundation Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the enhancement of the European Union's global standing.
Dec 8 2009 Free trade area around the Mediterranean a priority at trade ministers' meeting
"I hope that we will be able to adopt a roadmap for establishing a free trade area around the Mediterranean in 2010 and for future development," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Dec 1 2009 Ewa Björling spoke at UNAIDS event on World AIDS Day
On 1 December World AIDS Day is observed throughout the world.
Dec 1 2009 Lisbon Treaty strengthens both the EU and national foreign policy
It is now time for the much-discussed Lisbon Treaty to begin to take effect. From Tuesday 1 December, Catherine Ashton will be the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. As such, she will be responsible for coordinating all parts of the European Unions foreign policy and presenting the views of the EU to other countries, in international organisations and at international conferences.
Nov 27 2009 Swedish Special Initiative for Democratisation and Freedom of Expression
The Government of Sweden has decided on a special initiative for democratisation and freedom of expression. The initiative spans over the years 2009-2011 and aims at strengthening actors for change, groups and civil society organisations working for democratisation and freedom of expression. Sida invites eligible organisations to submit a Concept Note for projects which might be considered under this support mechanism.
Nov 27 2009 Ministerial meeting between the EU and Turkey in Istanbul
On Thursday 26 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt chaired a Troika meeting with Turkey. Turkey was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu and EU Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis.
Nov 20 2009 Sweden to contribute SEK 20 million to UNICEF's efforts for children in armed conflict
In connection with the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Sweden will make an extra contribution of SEK 20 million to UNICEF's efforts to implement Security Council Resolution 1882 on children in armed conflict.
Nov 13 2009 Human rights in focus at Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö
On Monday and Tuesday next week it is time for the Human Rights Days at Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö. There will be seminars, speakers and workshops. One of the seminars will focus on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the country reviews carried out by the UN Human Rights Council. Next year Sweden will be reviewed. Anna Öberg from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will be attending the seminar. Here she explains what the UPR is.
Nov 11 2009 Sweden to be reviewed by UN Human Rights Council
In 2006 the UN General Assembly decided that, every four years, the then recently established Human Rights Council in Geneva would undertake a review of the fulfilment by each Member State of its human rights obligations through Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR). Through this procedure the General Assembly has deprived States the right to in any way avoid a review.
Nov 3 2009 "Cultures grow through dialogue"
The seminar beginning on 29 October at the Instituto Cervantes in Stockholm was about the role of minorities and intercultural dialogue. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Instituto Cervantes and the embassies of Spain, Turkey, Greece, Kuwait and Morocco were jointly responsible for arranging the event.
Oct 27 2009 European Development Days concluded
The European Development Days (EDD) is an annual event jointly organised by the European Commission and the country holding the Presidency of the EU. Sweden hosted this year's EDD on 22-24 October at the Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö. With several thousand delegates, it was the largest meeting under the Swedish Presidency.
Oct 22 2009 Swedish support to Afghanistan to remain long-term
The mission of Swedish forces in Afghanistan is to be extended to 31 December 2010. This is proposed in the Bill to be passed by the Government today. Together with the increase in Swedish development assistance and greater EU involvement, the Government wants to help to ensure that responsibility for the countrys development can be transferred to the Afghan authorities in due course.
Oct 1 2009 Middle East Summit 2009
The flagship event of the Swedish Trade Council in Middle East “Middle East Summit 2009” is your bridge to accessing leading growth markets in the region. 2009 years conference will circulate the topics of growth, sustainability and new business opportunities.
Sep 21 2009 Swedish EU Presidency Statement on the Arab-Israeli conflict
On 18 September, the Swedish EU Presidency issued the following statement on the Arab-Israeli conflict:
Sep 21 2009 The budget for 2010: Working Sweden out of the crisis
The Budget Bill for 2010 contains further assertive measures to tackle the recession following the financial crisis. A total of SEK 32 billion is being put into new measures for 2010 and SEK 24 billion for 2011.
Sep 17 2009 New project to make use of the experience of people born abroad
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is today launching a special initiative to put the skills of foreign-born entrepreneurs to good use, with a long-term view to increasing trade with the rest of the world.
Sep 16 2009 Development assistance stays at 1 per cent of GNI
In this year's budget bill, the Government proposes a budget for development assistance of 1 per cent of GNI in 2010. The development assistance budget has been set at 1 per cent every year during this electoral period. This means that the Government has budgeted a total of SEK 127 billion for development assistance in 2007-2010.
Sep 15 2009 Statement of Government Policy presented
On Tuesday 15 September, the Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt delivered his Statement of Government Policy to the Riksdag and the Head of State.
Sep 15 2009 King Carl XVI Gustaf to open the Riksdag session today
A working year at the Riksdag is called a Riksdag session. The Riksdag session for 2009-2010 will open today. The opening ceremony in the Chamber will begin at 14.00 and only invited guests may attend. At the request of the Speaker, King Carl XVI Gustaf will declare the Riksdag session open. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will then deliver the Statement of Government Policy.
Sep 10 2009 Afghanistan important issue at foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) is meeting in Brussels on 14-15 September. Preparations ahead of the upcoming EU summit on 29-30 October, the situation in Afghanistan following the elections, the EU´s approach towards Iran and the EU´s relations with the Southern Caucasus are important issues on the agenda. Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will chair the Council meetings.
Sep 3 2009 Meeting of foreign ministers opens on Friday
At the end of this week, on 4-5 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will host the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, to be held at the Modern Museum and the Museum of Architecture in Stockholm.
Sep 1 2009 European Development Days (EDD)
European Development Days (EDD) is an annual event jointly organised by the European Commission and the country holding the Presidency of the EU. Sweden will be hosting this year's EDD on 22-24 October at the Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö. With several thousand delegates, it will be the largest meeting under the Swedish Presidency.
Aug 17 2009 Water - a climate and development issue
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson is to open and take part in the World Water Week in Stockholm, starting on Monday 17 August. "In the wake of climate change, the issue of water is becoming even more of a priority. Partly because of the increasing lack of water and partly because the water that we do have is being polluted," writes Ms Carlsson in an article published in Uppsala Nya Tidning.
Aug 12 2009 Palestinian Authority to receive direct support of SEK 50 million
"The Palestinian Authority is in a very difficult economic situation. A functioning Palestinian Authority is a prerequisite for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Aug 9 2009 Presidency Statement on the post-election trial in Tehran
Read more on se2009.eu
Aug 9 2009 Presidency Statement on the executions in Iran
Read more on se2009.eu
Aug 9 2009 Presidency Statement on evictions in East Jerusalem
Read more on se2009.eu
Jul 23 2009 One Embassy and four Consulates-General to close - Inquiry to review foreign representation
The Government today decided to close Sweden's Embassy in Colombo and the Consulates-General in Kaliningrad, Canton, Los Angeles and New York. Today the Government also adopted terms of reference for an inquiry to review the foreign representation.
Jul 6 2009 Sweden supports new UN function for children's rights
No less than 300 million children around the world are subjected to violence. Sweden is now increasing its commitment to these children by supporting the newly appointed UN representative to combat violence against children, Marta Santos Pais. Sweden will begin its economic support by making an initial contribution of SEK 3 million.
Jul 3 2009 Iran's Ambassador summoned to Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Iran's Ambassador in Stockholm was summoned today to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to meet State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage. Mr Belfrage delivered a sharply worded message to Ambassador Eslami concerning the locally engaged UK embassy staff in Tehran who are being detained by Iranian authorities.
Jul 3 2009 Gunilla Carlsson to meet the new UN Representative on violence against children
On Monday 6 July Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will meet Marta Santos Pais, the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children.
Jul 2 2009 Sweden sends election observers to Afghanistan
The Government decided today to contribute Swedish observers to the EU Election Observation Mission in Afghanistan. The elections will start on 20 August 2009. The Swedish contribution will initially consist of one long-term observer and two observers linked to the Embassy in Kabul. Sweden is prepared to send additional long- and short-term observers if the EU so requests.
Jun 30 2009 Swedish Embassy returns to Baghdad
On 1 July, the Swedish Embassy for Iraq will return to Baghdad, having previously operated from Amman. On the same day, the Embassy will take over the local Presidency of the European Union in Iraq. However, the Embassy's formal opening ceremony will be held at a later date.
Jun 26 2009 The Embassy closed to the public on 29 June
The Embassy will be closed to the public on Monday 29 June, and will open again on Tuesday 30 June.
Jun 26 2009 The Government sets up a Business and Development Council
The Government has decided to set up a Business and Development Council to assist the Government with advice on the best ways of making use of the Swedish business sectors experience and skills in developing countries.
Jun 22 2009 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visits Jordan and Syria
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling has visited the capitals of Jordan and Syria, Amman and Damascus, along with Swedish companies to stimulate increased trade between those countries and Sweden.
Jun 15 2009 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting Jordan and Syria on 15-17 June
With the objective of stimulating greater Swedish trade with Jordan and Syria, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting Amman on Monday and will then travel on to Damascus.
Jun 11 2009 New development strategy for Iraq
The Government today adopted a new strategy for development cooperation with Iraq for the period 2009-2014. The new strategy is designed to contribute to a lasting peace in Iraq, improved living conditions and democratic development.
Jun 9 2009 Sweden takes on the challenge - Fredrik Reinfeldt on Sweden's priorities for the EU Presidency
“Managing the financial crisis and unemployment and addressing climate change – these will be the two main priorities of the Swedish Presidency.” So said Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt today at a seminar at CEPS, the Centre for European Policy Studies, in Brussels, where he spoke about the Swedish Presidency.
Jun 3 2009 President of the International Committee of the Red Cross visiting Sweden
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson today welcomed the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger. The meeting focused on Sweden's role in promoting compliance with international humanitarian law during the upcoming Presidency of the EU and the effects of the global crisis and the fact that the most vulnerable people in the world are the hardest hit by it.
May 29 2009 Business community discussed trade barriers with Björling
This week Minister for Trade Ewa Björling brought together about 30 representatives of the Swedish business community to discuss future trade policy challenges. More support for small and medium-sized enterprises and clearer links between aid and trade were some of the points raised by the companies represented.
May 25 2009 Carl Bildt on North Korean nuclear test
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt comments North Korea's nuclear test. - It is alarming that the North Korean regime continues to provoke the international community. - In a poor, oppressed society, this extremely closed regime is investing enormous resources on these increasingly serious provocations.
May 14 2009 Climate Commission: Rapid action now to address climate change
Gunilla Carlsson, who has led the work of the International Commission on Climate Change and Development, presented the Commission's final report to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York yesterday. New and additional money for climate adaptation is urgently needed concludes the Commission in its final report. Donors are urged to honour their ODA commitments. Local ownership is key. At the same time, effective global funding mechanisms are needed to address the climate challenges facing developing countries.
May 7 2009 Government report on development assistance results
The Government today presented a comprehensive report of development assistance performance to the Riksdag for the first time in the history of Swedish development assistance. "All in all, the Government considers that many of the development assistance initiatives taken have been very useful in relation to the set goals. At the same time, the Communication shows the difficulties in describing the long-term effects of the activities receiving support via Swedish development assistance," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
May 6 2009 Carl Bildt's Washington visit
On Tuesday 5 May, Carl Bildt met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington DC. Talks included Sweden's coming European Union Presidency, climate issues, the situation in the Middle East, Iran, Russia and other areas. The agenda for Minister Bildt's visit included discussions with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, National Security Advisor James Jones and Senator John Kerry.
May 4 2009 Ewa Björling hopeful of a free trade agreement with Gulf states
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling took part in a meeting in Oman last week between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting saw the resumption of the negotiations on a free trade agreement that were suspended last December.
Apr 30 2009 Young Leaders Visitors Programme – Network meeting at the Embassy
In 2008, the Swedish Institute launched a new intercultural leadership program which focuses on social media as a tool for positive change. Through the program, young opinion makers from the MENA region are invited to Sweden for training workshops on freedom of expression and social media. The aim is to lay a foundation for dialogue, mutual understanding, and knowledge sharing among young opinion makers from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, the West Bank and Gaza, and Sweden.
Apr 22 2009 EU Statement at the Durban Review Conference in Geneva
Today, Sweden's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Hans Dahlgren, delivered the EU statement for the General Segment of the Durban Review Conference on racism and xenophobia.
Apr 22 2009 Success in Geneva: Durban Review Conference final outcome document adopted
The UN Conference on racism in Geneva was able, on Tuesday afternoon, to adopt the Conference's final outcome document. The EU has been working intensively to ensure that the final outcome document focuses on the implementation of states' commitments with regard to the struggle against racism. Since the holder of the Presidency of the EU, the Czech Republic, chose to leave the Conference yesterday, Sweden as incoming President, is now representing the EU.
Apr 22 2009 Screening of European films in Cairo
During the month of May, all EU Embassies in Cairo will show a movie from their respective countries as a part of the "EU Film Club". The films will be screened at different cultural institutes, and at the Czech Embassy in Cairo. Sweden's contribution is the successful comedy "Wonderful and Loved by All".
Apr 17 2009 Gunilla Carlsson met with the Palestinian minister for planning
The Palestinian Authority's Planning Minister, Dr. Samir Abdullah, is in Stockholm to take part in a seminar arranged by the International Council of Swedish Industry, NIR, and the Palestine International Business Forum. He met Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on Friday afternoon for talks on international and Swedish aid and development in the Palestinian territories.
Apr 15 2009 Sweden's EU Presidency: A participative event on development and aid
On 22-24 October, Stockholm will host the annual European Development Days conference jointly with the European Commission. The EDD conference brings together partners in development to enhance debates and dialogue. As a platform for international debate, it is also about creating synergies of actors in international development, an exchange of good practices, and opportunities for meetings.
Apr 9 2009 Alliance of Civilisations conference in Istanbul
The UN initiative the Alliance of Civilisations recently held its second conference since its inception in 2005.
Mar 25 2009 The 2009 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award rewards work in the humanistic spirit of Astrid Lindgren. The 2009 award goes to the Tamer Institute. This organisation carries out reading promotion activities for children and young people in the West Bank and Gaza.
Mar 22 2009 Incorrect information about migration to Sweden
The information in one of the leading Arabic newspapers last week about Sweden opening up for immigrants IS NOT CORRECT.
Mar 20 2009 UN development assistance in the wake of the financial crisis
Both countries and organisations working with development cooperation are feeling the effects of the financial crisis. "What is important is to safeguard the achievements made in poverty reduction. We perhaps need to find more ways in which to work," says Joakim Stymne, State Secretary responsible for international development cooperation.
Mar 19 2009 Call for measurable goals for women in conflict areas
On Wednesday, the Minister for International Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson, held a breakfast meeting on the new action plan adopted by the Government. The action plan is based on UN Resolution 1325 concerning how women are affected by and can affect armed conflicts.
Mar 9 2009 The Government has implemented a range of reforms to Swedish development cooperation
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will today present the reform of multilateral development cooperation at a press conference to be held in the Press Centre, Rosenbad from 11.00-11.45. This is one element of the ongoing overall reform work in Swedish development cooperation which also includes country focus and a stronger emphasis on results. At the same time the assessments of a number of multilateral humanitarian and development organisations that have been carried out at the Government Offices and Sida will be published on www.ud.se. Sweden will continue to strategically choose where it will be active and we must be open to the possibility of withdrawing from certain organisations, according to Ms Carlsson.
Mar 9 2009 Focus on Women's Rights
International Women's Day was celebrated on 8 March, but around the world there are many girls and women who are unable to exercise their human rights. "Women's participation is a prerequisite for economic and democratic development," says Björn Andersson, Deputy Head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Department for Development Policy.
Mar 4 2009 Human Rights important during the Swedish chairmanship
The UN Human Rights Council is holding its tenth regular session from 2 to 27 March in Geneva. State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage delivered Sweden's main address. The session will deal with a number of important issues, such as torture, freedom of religion and arbitrary deprivation of liberty. A full-day seminar is scheduled on the rights of the child. The Council will also discuss the mandates of the Special Rapporteurs on human rights in Somalia, Burma and North Korea. For Sweden, the session is particularly important as part of the preparations for the Swedish Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009.
Mar 2 2009 Gunilla Carlsson to Donor Conference for Gaza
On Monday 2 March Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlssson will take part in the international donor conference in support of the reconstruction of Gaza and the Palestinian Authority (Cairo International Conference to support the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza).
Feb 24 2009 Gunilla Carlsson to meet Mahmoud Abbas
On Wednesday 25 February, President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas will arrive in Sweden and meet Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Feb 24 2009 Statement by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on the royal engagement
On 24 February 2009 the Government decided, in accordance with Article 5 of the Act of Succession, to give its consent to the marriage between Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling.
Feb 18 2009 Statement of Foreign Policy 2009
Each February, the Minister for Foreign Affairs presents the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag. The presentation is followed by a debate. The Statement of Foreign Policy sets out the Government's priorities and views on various issues in the rest of the world during the year ahead.
Feb 3 2009 Carl Bildt in Gaza
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is the first EU minister to visit Gaza following the war. He is there to tour the area and visit Al Quds hospital, under the auspices of the UN.
Jan 29 2009 Sweden to send naval vessels to Somalia
The Government decided today to request the permission of the Riksdag to place Swedish armed forces at the disposal of the EU maritime operation off the coast of Somalia, Operation Atalanta.
Jan 22 2009 Minister for Trade opened new trade office in Cairo
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling opened the Swedish Trade Council's new office in Cairo on Tuesday evening. Rather than cutting a ribbon, Dr Björling and the President of the Swedish Trade Council, Ulf Berg, tied a symbolic knot between Egypt and Sweden. Photo: Jens Eriksson/MFA
Jan 15 2009 Gunilla Carlsson condemns attack on UNRWA headquarters in Gaza
The UNRWA headquarters in Gaza has been shelled during the morning and parts of the premises are now in flames. UNRWA has stated that three staff members have been injured and that it will not be possible to undertake today's distribution of food, medicine and fuel. According to the UN, Israel has said that the bombardment was a serious mistake. "It is totally unacceptable that UNRWA, the key humanitarian UN actor in Gaza, has been attacked in this manner. According to international law, humanitarian personnel have the right to protection. Israel must respect international law," says Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation.
Jan 9 2009 Security Council resolution welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt
"I strongly welcome the resolution that the UN Security Council was able to agree upon last night after almost three days of intensive negotiations," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement on Friday.
Jan 8 2009 Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Gaza
"Acts of warfare against, from and in Gaza must cease immediately. This must take place without delay. Israel can only achieve its goal of security from rockets and other attacks through political agreements firmly established in the region and in the international community as a whole. The ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting, sustainable solution will be intensified", said Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on a press conference today.
Jan 6 2009 Assisted departure from Gaza postponed
The Consulate-General in Jerusalem was informed on Tuesday evening that the planned assisted departure from Gaza due to take place on Wednesday 7 January was to be cancelled.
Jan 2 2009 Carl Bildt to the Middle East
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and the foreign ministers Karl Schwarzenberg of the Czech Republic and Bernard Kouchner of France will travel to Cairo and Jerusalem for talks.
Dec 29 2008 The Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel near Gaza in Israel
In view of the deterioration of the security situation around Gaza, until further notice the Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel near Gaza in Israel up to a distance of 40 km from Gaza.
Dec 28 2008 Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Gaza
"I welcome the fact that the UN Security Council has now demanded an immediate halt to all military activities against and from Gaza," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement on Sunday.
Dec 27 2008 Carl Bildt: Break the isolation of Gaza
"Today's extensive Israeli air attacks on a wide range of targets in the Gaza area means a serious continuation of the escalation of the tension begun when, just before Christmas, Hamas refused to renew the ceasefire that had been in place for the last six months", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, commenting on the latest developments in Gaza.
Dec 10 2008 Sixty years of human rights
Today marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption and announcement by the United Nations General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. The Government's commemoration of the Universal Declaration will take place in the Chamber of the Riksdag on 10 December. Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will be present.
Dec 9 2008 60th anniversary of the Genocide Convention
It is 60 years today since the UN General Assembly adopted the Genocide Convention. Genocide and other crimes against humanity are serious violations of human rights on a very great scale. Sweden has a strong interest in an international legal system that makes it possible to bring those responsible to account.
Dec 3 2008 Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on UN conference on financing for development in Doha
"It is important that the international community has been able to agree on how we should continue to mobilise resources in the fight against poverty. Combating poverty requires a global partnership and a sharing of responsibility," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, commenting on the outcome of the UN conference on financing for development that concluded recently in Doha.
Nov 28 2008 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting the Gulf Region
On 28 November to 3 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman together with Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) Director-General Per-Erik Sandlund and Swedish Trade Council regional manager Mats Paulson.
Nov 21 2008 Ewa Björling led trade delegation to Baghdad
For the first time in 20 years, a Swedish trade delegation has visited Iraq's capital, Baghdad. The visit was led by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, who was invited to Iraq in connection with the major conference on the country's reconstruction that was held in Stockholm in May. "For a small country like Sweden that depends on exports, it is very important to try to enter new, emerging markets as early as possible. I therefore felt it was important to travel to Baghdad now", says Dr Björling.
Nov 13 2008 Sweden increases support to Afghanistan
The Government will make three important decisions today which in various ways will strengthen and improve Sweden's support to Afghanistan. The decisions concern both our military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the design of a new strategy for our development assistance to Afghanistan.
Nov 5 2008 International Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights
Sweden will host an International Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights in Stockholm on 6-7 November. Among those attending the conference will be Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg. Some 200 people from around 70 countries will attend the conference.
Nov 3 2008 Arab journalists visiting Stockholm
Five Arab journalists on a visit to Stockholm experience the diversity of the Swedish capital. They come from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq/UK, Morocco and Algeria and are in Stockholm to take part in a programme for international journalists organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre. As part of a special initiative by the MFA Press Centre this autumn and next spring, journalists from the Middle East and North Africa will receive an introduction to Sweden. "We have experienced an open, informal and transparent country," says Mina Al-Oraibi, from Iraq/UK.
Oct 29 2008 Trade Seminars in Cairo and Alexandria
As part of its trade promotion, the Embassy last weekend arranged two trade seminars in Cairo and Alexandria respectively, both called Swedish Business Lunch Meeting. In Cairo, the event took place at Four Seasons Hotel on 16 October, and in Alexandria at the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, on 19 October. About 60 guests attended each seminar. (Ambassador Malin Kärre and guests. Photo: Swedish Embassy, Cairo)
Oct 24 2008 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. IDA is the part of the World Bank that focuses on the poorest countries. Sweden-s increase is now around 33 per cent.
Oct 20 2008 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.
Oct 10 2008 European Day against the Death Penalty
Today is the European Day against the Death Penalty. Europe today is the only region in the world where the death penalty is no longer applied. On the occasion of the day, Carl Bildt, in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and Bernard Kouchner, on behalf of the French Presidency of the European Council, have also written a joint article that is being published in a number of national and international newspapers.
Oct 4 2008 Carl Bildt on the terrorist attack in Turkey
"The democratic reform process in Turkey is now gradually creating better conditions, also for those regions of the country that are dominated by Kurdish population groups, and it is these positive developments that the PKK wants to curb by means of terror", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Sep 30 2008 Government to reinforce democracy assistance
Yesterday the Government presented a written communication on Sweden´s democracy assistance to the Riksdag, and in doing so took another important step towards changing Swedish development assistance.
Jul 3 2008 Strong innovation drives Sweden forward
It is not by accident that Swedish companies Ikea, Ericsson, Electrolux, Volvo and Saab are well known far beyond Sweden's borders. For a country that prides itself on doing things in moderation, Sweden is surprisingly bold when it comes to innovation.
May 7 2008 Egyptian Swedish Symposium 3 – 7 May 2008, commemorating Professor Vivi Täckholm
The Embassy of Sweden and the Botany Department of the Faculty of Science of the Cairo University arranged on 3-7 May 2008 an Egyptian Swedish Symposium commemorating the life and achievements of Professor Vivi Täckholm.

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