On Wednesday 15 February 2017, Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström presented the Statement of Foreign Policy to the Riksdag.
“Sweden and the world are experiencing a paradoxical time of rapid and significant change. Ten years ago, the number of displaced people was half of today’s 65 million. Syria was a tourist destination. Russia had not attempted to change the borders of Georgia and Ukraine by force. China’s economy was a quarter of the size it is today. Brexit was an unknown term. There were no tweets from the President of the United States because Twitter had only just been created.
Rapid global change can spread liquid fear – and at the same time lay the foundation for crucial progress. For every minute I speak, some 120 people are lifting themselves out of extreme poverty. The Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda provide a roadmap for a sustainable future. Thanks to the Peace agreement in Colombia, South America can become a continent of peace. There is a legend that serves as a parable for these times, when amidst the darkness there are glimmers of light.
A grandfather says to his grandchild: “There is a battle between two wolves inside me. One is evil; he is arrogance, ego, lies and despair. The other is good; he is peace, compassion, truth and hope. This battle is inside us all.”
The grandchild asks: “Which wolf wins?” The grandfather replies: “The one you feed.”
In difficult times, Sweden’s foreign policy rests on a solid value-based foundation of human rights, democracy and multilateral cooperation. Simply putting one’s own country first would be selfish and unwise. What is good for the world is good for Sweden…”
Here you’ll find the full Statement of Foreign Policy
