International

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer will travel to Ankara on 21 January to launch Sweden and Türkiye’s bilateral security dialogue, Security Compact. During the meeting the ministers will discuss security cooperation and international affairs.

Speech by Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch at the technology fair CES, Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, 8 January 2025. Check against delivery.

The Government has decided to invest SEK 4.3 billion in global health and increased sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Sida has been tasked with implementing a five-year strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation in the area of health and sexual and reproductive health and rights from 2025 to 2029.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, along with her Nordic and Baltic colleagues, has written a letter urging the EU Commission proposing to lower the oil price cap within the G7.

Speech by Minister For Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard at the Folk och Försvar Annual National Conference 12 January 2025. Check against delivery.

Joint Statement by Nordic Baltic Foreign Ministers on energy situation in the Republic of Moldova, January 7, 2025

Joint Statement by Nordic Baltic Foreign Ministers on Situation in Georgia, 29 December 2024.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Elinor Hammarskjöld as Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel. Ms Hammarskjöld currently serves as Director-General for Legal Affairs and Head of the Directorate-General for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

A letter of intent on strengthened defence cooperation between Sweden and Moldova was signed on 20 August 2024.

The Government has decided to allocate SEK 800 million to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the region. Sweden is also continuing its support to the response in Gaza through extensive core support to a number of key humanitarian actors. The Government’s core support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will be discontinued.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to counteract foreign malign information influence activities. The agreement is an important platform for closer cooperation and exchange of experience between Sweden and the US in this area.

The Government has decided to provide a maximum of SEK 258 million (approximately USD 25.06 million) to the Asian Development Fund (ADF). These new funds will support long-term economic development and poverty reduction in the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries in Asia and the Pacific region.

Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Israel and Palestine on 16–18 December to get an updated picture of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and to hold talks on humanitarian access and support.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, held at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, 11 December 2024. Check against delivery.

The Swedish Government has decided to contribute funds to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Over the next three years, Sweden will provide SEK 615 million to IFAD, a UN agency that promotes food security and creates livelihood opportunities for women and men living in poverty in rural areas of developing countries. Through low-interest loans and donations, IFAD supports people in poor and disadvantaged rural areas, such as women smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups.

Sweden is going to purchase hybrid bonds from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) valued at approximately SEK 100 million. This investment is part of the Government’s strategy to modernise and streamline development assistance and promote sustainable economic development in partner countries.

The Government’s strategy Sweden in a digital world – a strategy for Sweden’s foreign and security policy on cyber and digital issues is being launched on 9 December.

Sweden has announced a contribution of SEK 8.2 billion to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), a fund for the world’s poorest countries. In doing so, Sweden is contributing to the record-breaking 21st replenishment of the fund, which will generate a total of USD 100 billion for reforms, investment, and development in low-income countries.

On 6–7 December, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will visit the United States to take part in the Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) in Simi Valley, California.