Foreign and security policy

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard spoke at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore on 20th November 2024. During this IISS Raffles Lecture Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard talked about strengthening Cross-Regional Security: Sweden and the Indo-Pacific. Check against delivery.

On 22 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard will visit Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, where she will meet with the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The EU has imposed new sanctions against Iran, in response to Iran’s military support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These restrictive measures aim to obstruct Iran’s production of weapons and arms supplies to Russia.

Ukraine’s closer ties with the EU promote the country’s development and contribute to security and stability throughout Europe. Sweden is a committed and long-term partner in this integration process and supports Ukraine on its path towards EU membership.

On 19–21 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard will take part in the State Visit by TM The King and Queen to Singapore. During the Visit, Ms Malmer Stenergard will meet with her Singaporean counterpart and other government representatives, and take part in security and trade-related talks. She will also give a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think tank. The King and Queen will have meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Singapore, which Ms Malmer Stenergard will also attend.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard delivered a speech to the diplomatic corps on 11th November 2024, in Stockholm. Check against delivery.

On 27–28 November, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will receive heads of government from the Nordic and Baltic countries at a Summit at Harpsund. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will also attend.

On 11–13 November, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa and Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz will receive Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan.

Together with his ministerial counterparts in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa has written a letter to the European Commission proposing increased import tariffs on Russian goods.

The Government decided today to task Business Sweden with stepping up its efforts to promote investments in the Swedish battery value chain, i.e. in all parts of production. The aim is to enable capital and important expertise to be brought into and retained in the Swedish business sector. The assignment also includes helping relevant companies and national, regional and local actors with advice and contacts.

On 5–8 November, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Beijing and Shanghai. He will meet with business representatives and representatives of the Chinese Government.

On 27–29 October, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Saudi Arabia. Mr Dousa will have meetings with the Saudi Government, meet with Swedish and Saudi businesses and take part in the Future Investment Initiative’s international investment conference.

On 17–18 October, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Sweden to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, regional security and global issues. Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard hosted the visit, which is an important step in strengthening the ties between the countries – not least by exploring new opportunities for cooperation in business and innovation.

On 28–29 October, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will visit Qatar for a bilateral meeting with Minister of Defence and State Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah in Doha. This visit will take place as follow-up to the visit of the Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, to Stockholm in September.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard delivered an address during the UN Federation’s seminar on UN Day on 24 October 2024. The seminar was held at the Stockholm Concert Hall. Check against delivery.

His Majesty The King has today decided on the recommendation of the Government Offices to present Royal Orders of Knighthood to ten foreign citizens.

Joint donor statement on Humanitarian Access in Sudan by the UK, USAID, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

On 16 October 2024, the Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers visited Odesa, Ukraine. The visit took place against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks against Ukraine resulting in further loss of lives, injuries and widespread destruction. The needs are immense, especially within the energy sector, as Ukraine prepares for its third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Nordic-Baltic countries are united in their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. During the visit, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was announced in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs, including energy, social infrastructure and humanitarian support. The support aims to alleviate the suffering caused by Russia’s attacks by contributing to basic needs such as heating and clean water during the cold winter months.

Sweden’s strategy for peace, security and stabilisation is a part of the governance of Sweden’s collective development, foreign and security policy. This strategy will contribute to conflict management and conflict prevention with a view to improving development opportunities and reducing humanitarian needs.