Sweden appoints special envoy for Ukraine's reconstruction, business sector and development

MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - The Swedish government has appointed Ulrik Tidestrom as its special representative for Ukraine's reconstruction, business sector and development.

"Supporting Ukraine is the government's top foreign policy priority. By appointing a special envoy, the government is stepping up Sweden's engagement and prospects of further contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction," Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom was quoted by the government's press service as saying. His remarks carried by the press service were also published in Ukrainian media.

Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell, for his part, said that the government is strengthening its support for Ukraine by appointing a special envoy.

Tidestrom has been Sweden's ambassador to Georgia and Armenia, and has also served at the embassies in Warsaw, Helsinki, Kiev and Moscow. His most recent post was Diplomatic Training Program director at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Tidestrom will take up his new position on August 26.

The special envoy position is placed at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Department for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and has the rank of ambassador.

The special envoy will cooperate closely with the Ukrainian government, EU institutions, international financial institutions, the G7 countries and other international partners to support Ukraine's reconstruction. One of his main tasks will be to represent the government in international donor coordination for support to Ukraine's reconstruction and developing closer ties to the EU.

"A key aspect of my assignment will also be close cooperation with the Ukrainian government and international partners to maximize the impact of Sweden's engagement," Tidestrom himself said.

Promoting Swedish businesses' participation in Ukraine's reconstruction, in close cooperation with Business Sweden and other Team Sweden organizations, will be another important task, the press service said.

Team Sweden is a network of government agencies and companies that work together to promote Swedish exports and investments in Sweden. This is a way for the government to provide coordination and effective facilitation for Swedish businesses that are willing to reach international markets.