BULAWAYO - The government of Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment and support to the regional integration agenda being spearheaded by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
In a statement after the new Swedish Special Representative to COMESA, Ambassador Marie Andersson De Frutos, presented her letter of credence to Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya, she said the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has been tasked to develop a new strategy for development cooperation with regional institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, recognizing the important role of COMESA.
“Sweden recognizes the progress of the Common Market and is proud to enter into a new phase of deepened cooperation with COMESA as we support regional integration and we assure COMESA of our highest consideration, sharing COMESA’s vision of a fully integrated, internationally competitive regional economic community, with high living standards for its people,” said Ambassador de Frutos. Sweden already cooperates with COMESA through the Regional team for Environment and Economic Development based in Nairobi. The Nordic country also supports COMESA’s implementation of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and COMESA’s development of a multi-sectoral programme on HIV/AIDS-aiming at mainstreaming HIV/Aids in all COMESA programmes.
The Ambassador said Sweden welcomed the launching of the COMESA Customs Union and the tripartite process involving COMESA, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. In welcoming Sweden’s appointment of a Special Representative to COMESA, Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya commended that country for its commitment
to reduce poverty in Africa and bring about development. He pointed out that the appointment was very significant, taking into account that Sweden currently holds EU presidency. Africa certainly welcomes the EU’s Swedish Presidency which is committed to tackle the two major challenges of climate change and the current economic crisis.
Post published in: Manufacturing