The Permanent Secretary International Relations and Cooperation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, and her counterpart from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise, Subeta Mutelo, are in Stockholm, Sweden for official engagements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden and the private sector.
The visit underscores the commitment of Zambia and Sweden to reinforce their longstanding diplomatic ties, as Zambia looks to bolster economic growth and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
According to a statement issued to RCV News by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ms. Gundersen and Ms. Mutelo will engage in high-level meetings with officials from Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs on bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest.
The statement indicates that the discussions will also focus on Sweden’s support for Zambia in its ambition for economic development and climate resilience, building on recent diplomatic milestones such as the high-level visit of Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mr. Johan Forssell, to Lusaka in May.
The statement further states that the Permanent Secretaries are scheduled to engage with the International Council of Swedish Industry, the Norrsken Foundation, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, to explore and consolidate avenues for collaboration in areas such as private sector and Small and Medium Enterprises development.
“This is in line with the Government’s implementation of Economic Diplomacy in its engagements with international partners. Other engagements lined up include a visit to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance,” read the statement.
The statement also said Sweden continues to be central part in supporting Zambia in developing the private sector, increasing climate resilience and improving the environment.
By Eva Hatontola
