Minister for Education Jan Björklund to visit Mozambique and South Africa

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, October 7, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 7-11 October, Minister for Education and Deputy Prime Minister Jan Björklund will visit Mozambique and South Africa.

The visit will begin on Monday 7 October with bilateral talks with the Government of Mozambique. This will be followed by company visits and meetings with business organisations and civil society. Mr Björklund will also take part in a seminar on inclusive growth at Mozambique's leading university.

Mozambique is one of Sweden's largest partner countries in development cooperation. At the same time the country's high growth rate creates conditions for broader relations, particularly increased trade.

On Thursday 10 October, the eighth meeting of the Binational Commission (BNC) will begin in Pretoria under the leadership of South Africa's Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. The Swedish delegation will be led by Mr Björklund in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister.

The discussions will focus on our bilateral relations. Other expected topics include peace, security, human rights and democracy, climate and energy issues, cooperation in the UN and other current international issues and common challenges.

Discussions will be held in two main areas: political and economic issues. Joint projects, proposals for cooperation in third countries and seminars will be discussed with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade between Sweden and South Africa.

In addition to the bilateral discussions, Mr Björklund will meet Swedish companies active in South Africa and visit a primary school in Johannesburg during his stay in the country.