Sweden / Five ministers to take part in the World Economic Forum on Africa

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 3, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 9-10 May, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Trade Eva Björling, Minister for Finance Anders Borg and Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson will be taking part in the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF) in Cape Town. On 5-12 May, in connection with the WEF, some of the ministers will also visit Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Zimbabwe.

The WEF will focus on the conditions for sustaining Africa s strong growth and development. There will be discussions on how politicians and the business community can help to strengthen the macroeconomic outlook, global trade and regional integration, structural reforms, the impact of development assistance and human rights. In Cape Town, the ministers will also have bilateral talks with South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and several other representatives of the South African Government.

The visits to the other countries will offer opportunities for high-level meetings, promotional events and strengthening the image of Sweden. Bilateral talks will be held with ministers in these countries. Sweden is interested in supporting and seizing on the new, positive outlook for Africa s development and highlighting the importance of political reforms towards democracy. Sweden s historical and multifaceted ties with many African countries provide a solid foundation for stronger and broader future cooperation.

The ministers will be available to answers questions at regular press conferences during the trip. Invitations to these press conferences will be sent separately.