International

Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed has been appointed member of the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on Antimicrobial Resistance. The GLG comprises world leaders and experts working together to accelerate action on antimicrobial resistance.

The Government is taking swift and resolute action in response to the earthquake that hit Türkiye and northern Syria today, through support measures and in its role as holder of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Today, 26 January, the Government has decided to provide further support to Ukraine. This support aims to improve nuclear safety and electricity supply in Ukraine by funding the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The support amounts to a total of SEK 20 million in 2023.

The strategy will apply to the period 2022–2026 and provide a total of SEK 4.3 billion for activities implemented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Finland’s Minister of Defence Mikko Savola have signed a Finnish-Swedish letter of intent that will enable Finland to provide Ukraine with heavy military weapons at a replacement cost of more than SEK 4.11 billion (EUR 370 million).

Sweden and the rest of the EU have expressed clear support for the Iranian people, especially women and girls, who are peacefully demonstrating for their human rights. Sweden has individually, and together with the other EU Member States, condemned the violence that the Iranian authorities have used against demonstrators. Sweden has also called for those responsible for the death of Mahsa Jina Amini to be held accountable. Moreover, the EU has repeatedly imposed tougher sanctions against responsible individuals and entities, and the UN Human Rights Council has held a special session in response to the violence and human rights violations.

Sweden strongly condemns the executions that have been carried out in Iran in relation to the ongoing protests. Sweden and other EU Member States are always opposed to the death penalty, at all times and under all circumstances.

Speech by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, delivered at the Folk och Försvar Annual National Conference in Sälen on 8 January 2023. Check against delivery.

The lifting of exit restrictions from China, combined with the increased and widespread spread of COVID-19 in the country, has raised the question of introducing entry restrictions, including in Europe. Sweden is now preparing to introduce certain such restrictions requiring a negative COVID-19 test. Travellers from China need to be prepared for decisions being taken at short notice.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström, held at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs 21 December 2022. Check against delivery.

The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752 today issued the following joint statement:

The Government has presented Sida’s appropriation directions for 2023. The agency’s mandate includes reform and reconstruction support to Ukraine, a strong role for the business sector in development cooperation, advancement of work on migration issues and increased climate aid.

On 21–22 December, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström is visiting Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, for talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu

Sweden’s commitment to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is part of the effort to achieve equitable and sustainable development around the world. At present, Sweden is actively contributing to preparation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. It is intended that the new framework will apply following a decision taken at the meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the CBD in December 2022.

Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari, CBD COP 15, Montréal, Canada, 15 December 2022. Check against delivery.

At this year’s talks, Sweden stressed the urgency of the climate transition and the job and growth opportunities that the transition will create. The outcome of the talks was roughly the same as that of last year’s COP26 conference in Glasgow. However, one success was the creation of a new loss and damage fund.

The Government is increasing its support to Ukraine by SEK 600 million through a new mechanism under the World Bank. It aims to maintain access to energy, heating and health care, and to support agriculture and the education system.

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Late on Friday evening, 2 December, the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution concluded in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

National Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Mr Tobias Billström, held at the OSCE 29th Ministerial Council 1 December 2022.