Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Sweden’s strategy for civilian crisis management and peace promotion is a part of the governance of Sweden’s collective development, foreign and security policy. The strategy will contribute to strengthening the multilateral organisations’ capability to prevent, predict, manage and resolve crises and conflicts and help promote sustainable peace, security, democracy and increased respect for human rights and freedoms and the rule of law.

The Government has adopted a new regional strategy for the Syria crisis. It comprises SEK 880 million over three years and is being implemented by Sida. Sweden’s engagement is aimed at supporting the Syrian population in Syria, Syrian refugees and vulnerable groups in host societies in the neighbouring countries Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye.

The European Union gives its full support to the comprehensive roadmap presented by President Biden, that would lead to an enduring ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The EU appreciates the determined efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar in facilitating negotiations to bring an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, while ensuring Israel’s security, to which the EU remains fully committed.

On 3 June, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell presented the Government’s 2023 Cultural and Creative Industries Export Prize. The Prize has been awarded since 2017 and the winner is chosen by a jury consisting of representatives of the cultural and creative industries. This year’s Prize went to Svenskt Tenn, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Rising Star Award was presented to Hanna Hansdotter, one of the most interesting and innovative glass artists of our time.

On 28–29 May, Canada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly visited Stockholm at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström. The visit took place in the light of Sweden’s NATO membership and preparations ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Washington DC in July.

Speech by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell on the occasion of Africa Day. Egyptian Embassy, Stockholm, 28 May. Check against delivery.

On 30–31 May, Mr Billström will take part in an informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Prague.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at Stockholm China Forum, Stockholm, 29 May 2024. Check against delivery.

Statement concerning Rafah, 28 May 2024.

Statement on Georgia, 28 May 2024.

On 23–24 May, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater visited Stockholm at the invitation of State Secretary Diana Janse. The visit also included meetings with Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström and Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell. The purpose of the visit was to discuss cooperation on development assistance, Ukraine’s reconstruction and the war in Gaza.

The EU has adopted a new sanctions regime in response to increasing political repression in Russia. In light of the decision, 19 natural persons and one entity have been added to the sanctions list.

Today, the Government is presenting a new energy package to Ukraine in the amount of SEK 650 million. This support will help secure Ukraine’s energy supply to ensure that fundamental public services, such as schools, hospitals, transport, water supply and businesses, can continue to run.

On Wednesday 29 May, Mr Billström will receive Ms Joly. In connection with the meeting, a joint press conference will be held on the topics of the security situation, current NATO issues and Swedish-Canadian bilateral relations.

On 23 May, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell is travelling to London for the third annual UK-Sweden Business Forum. Mr Forssell is meeting with Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands and Swedish and British companies for a roundtable discussion on trade and investments in the building, transport and logistics sectors.

In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU decided to immobilise the Central Bank of the Russian Federation’s assets in the EU. During the Swedish Presidency of the Council, an EU Working Group was established to investigate the possibility of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. This work as resulted in the EU’s decision on 21 May to use the net extraordinary revenues generated by the immobilised assets to provide military and macroeconomic support to Ukraine.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies have organised a conference on Belarus to strengthen dialogue with Belarusian democratic forces in exile.

In view of the extensive humanitarian needs in Gaza, the Government has presented a new humanitarian aid package amounting to EUR 10.5 million. The support will be distributed to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell is visiting Zambia on 14–16 May. Mr Forssell is announcing Sweden’s new strategy for development cooperation, which places a stronger emphasis on women’s and girls’ access to antenatal care and safe abortions.

Mr Billström is visiting Texas on 13–15 May. The purpose is to present Sweden’s ambitions as a space nation and foster a good working relationship with Texas in relation to emerging technologies within the space industry.