On March 24, 2016, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Ukraine, Mr. A. von Bekerat, received the Secretary General of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM, Mr. A. Efendiev.

During the meeting, the SG provided the Ambassador with information regarding the Organization’s current activities, the priority areas for its cooperation, and also plans during the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship of GUAM in 2016. The Parties also discussed the situation in and around the GUAM region, and stressed the importance and relevance of the Organization’s format for ensuring cooperation, stability and safety in the region.

The SG emphasised the importance being awarded to expanding GUAM’s international cooperation, and spoke about the existing formats for such cooperation. A. Efendiev noted the important role being played by Sweden in advancing cooperation between GUAM member states towards the EU within the framework of the Eastern Partnership programme, as well as developing inter-regional dialogue between GUAM and the Baltic Council institutions. Further, he expressed hope for further cooperation.

The SG also expressed gratitude to the Swedish Ambassador for his country’s essential and consistent position on issues related to supporting GUAM countries, and also for the assistance Sweden has provided to GUAM member countries.

The Parties also exchanged information on issues of mutual interest, and expressed interest in maintaining contact and exchanging information.