Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, said that her country would not waver in its support for Ukraine, when she addessed the general debate of the General Assembly’s seventy-ninth session. 

“Sweden’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s efforts to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity will continue for as long as it takes,” Stenergard said.

She emphasized that territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states must serve as a basis for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Displaced in Sudan amount to entire Swedish population

Stenergard said Sweden had consistently supported countries struggling for liberty, independence and democracy – “not least in Africa.”

She expressed her deep concerns about the situation in Sudan, where more than 10 million people have been displaced, “which roughly corresponds to the entire population of my own country.”

The Foreign Minister called for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, an immediate ceasefire and negotiations ensuring a return to civilian rule are urgently required.

“ Sudan is among the countries receiving the most humanitarian support from Sweden this year. Sweden remains a key partner and donor of UN humanitarian assistance, as well as of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

Support for two-state solution

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister said Sweden had been committed to peace efforts in the Middle East since 1948 and the efforts of UN mediator Folke Bernadotte.

“Today, Sweden is one of the largest core donors to UN agencies and other organisations working to mitigate the immense suffering of the civilian population in Gaza. At the same time, Sweden stands up for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and demands that the hostages be released.”

On the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, Stenergard expressed support for the efforts by the United States, France and others to reach a diplomatic solution. “

“In the longer term,” she said, “Sweden – like the EU and the United States – believes in the idea of a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, freedom and democracy.”

Finally, Stenergard noted that women have been underrepresented as speakers in the General Debate. “Women make up 50 percent of the world’s population, yet less than 10 percent of speakers this week are women. There is a lot of room for improvement in this regard.”

See also Swedish Deputy-Prime Minister´s address to the Summit of the Future here.