The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has arrived in Stockholm, Sweden, at the invitation of the Swedish State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Karin Wallensteen.
Bilateral relations between South Africa and Sweden continue to expand and intensify, and the two countries co-operate on regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.
While in Stockholm, Deputy Minister Botes will also hold discussions with Mr Krister Nilsson, State Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs, on Sweden’s Green Industry Transition, focusing on the linkages between climate change and trade. In South Africa, a transition to a green economy is envisioned as an important means to respond to critical development challenges that the country is facing and will be facing in the near future.
The delegation will also participate in a business seminar during which Deputy Minister Botes will have an opportunity to engage with Business Sweden and to discuss investment opportunities in South Africa.
Deputy Minister Botes will visit the Olof Palme Center for a wreath-laying ceremony and hold discussions with Ms Anna Sundström, Secretary-General of the Centre. The Deputy Minister will also visit Smart City Sweden, a state-funded platform for sustainable city solutions that welcomes delegations from all over the world that are interested in smart and sustainable city solutions from Sweden.
Relations between South Africa and Sweden are founded on strong Nordic support and solidarity during the struggle for freedom in South Africa. These relations are based on mutually shared values of democracy, equality, and social justice, as well as mutually beneficial bilateral economic trade and cooperation.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
