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(TALKZIMBABWE) Sweden initiates EU-Zim dialogue

Sweden initiates EU-Zim dialogue
Joshua Chinyangarara
Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:05:00 +0000

THE European Union and Zimbabwe have taken the first steps in restoring relations with a visit of a Swedish delegation to the southern African country. Sweden will assume the rotating EU presidency in July.

The delegation is due in Zimbabwe on a three-day visit - from 3-5 June - during which they will hold talks with President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

The visit is also related to the planned visit to Stockholm, Sweden by Prime Minister Tsvangirai in mid-June.

The delegation, led by director general of international development and cooperation in the Swedish ministry for foreign affairs Jan Knutsson, will also assess the progress made thus far by the inclusive Government.

The delegation will also explore areas of cooperation between Zimbabwe and the European bloc.

Mr Knutsson will be accompanied by the head of southern Africa in the Africa department of the Swedish ministry, Pereric Hogberg.

"The visit is related to the forthcoming Swedish presidency of the EU. Zimbabwe is a high priority for the EU and for Sweden," Christina Weibull, the first secretary for political affairs in the Swedish embassy in Harare in an interview.

"It is a visit to assess the situation in Zimbabwe and to encourage the reform process of the transitional inclusive Government.

"The EU is following Zimbabwe closely. We are hoping that we will be able to normalise relations between Zimbabwe and the EU," Ms Weibull added.

The relations between Zimbabwe and the EU soured in 2000 following policy differences, resulting in the bloc's imposing sanctions, which have seriously hurt the economy.

Last month Sweden pledged to work for the restoration of normal relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) during its tenure of the EU presidency.

Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sten Rylander said in May that Sweden would prioritize re-engagement with Zimbabwe, among other issues.

"We (EU) have already started formal dialogue with Zimbabwe on how to normalize relations," Rylander said last month.

He, however, said the "success in restoration of normal relations will depend on the willingness of all players in the Global Political Agreement (GPA) to address outstanding substantive issues."

The delegation will also engage Zimbabwe on bilateral issues.

The two countries will share views and ideas on foreign policy issues of mutual interest, including the global financial crisis, the normalisation of political dialogue.

The Swedish delegation comes as the European Commission has announced an $11.4million aid package for Zimbabwe.

Labels: EU

posted by MrK @ 4:54 PM