Swedish Embassy returns to Baghdad

On 1 July, the Swedish Embassy for Iraq will return to Baghdad, having previously operated from Amman. On the same day, the Embassy will take over the local Presidency of the European Union in Iraq. However, the Embassy's formal opening ceremony will be held at a later date.

Owing to the current security situation in Iraq, visa and residence permit applications will continue to be processed by Swedish embassies in neighbouring countries.

> Link to the Embassy website

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Sep 21 2009 Swedish EU Presidency Statement on the Arab-Israeli conflict
On 18 September, the Swedish EU Presidency issued the following statement on the Arab-Israeli conflict:
Sep 21 2009 The budget for 2010: Working Sweden out of the crisis
The Budget Bill for 2010 contains further assertive measures to tackle the recession following the financial crisis. A total of SEK 32 billion is being put into new measures for 2010 and SEK 24 billion for 2011.
Sep 17 2009 New project to make use of the experience of people born abroad
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is today launching a special initiative to put the skills of foreign-born entrepreneurs to good use, with a long-term view to increasing trade with the rest of the world.
Sep 16 2009 Development assistance stays at 1 per cent of GNI
In this year's budget bill, the Government proposes a budget for development assistance of 1 per cent of GNI in 2010. The development assistance budget has been set at 1 per cent every year during this electoral period. This means that the Government has budgeted a total of SEK 127 billion for development assistance in 2007-2010.
Sep 15 2009 Statement of Government Policy presented
On Tuesday 15 September, the Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt delivered his Statement of Government Policy to the Riksdag and the Head of State.
Sep 15 2009 King Carl XVI Gustaf to open the Riksdag session today
A working year at the Riksdag is called a Riksdag session. The Riksdag session for 2009-2010 will open today. The opening ceremony in the Chamber will begin at 14.00 and only invited guests may attend. At the request of the Speaker, King Carl XVI Gustaf will declare the Riksdag session open. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will then deliver the Statement of Government Policy.
Sep 10 2009 Afghanistan important issue at foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) is meeting in Brussels on 14-15 September. Preparations ahead of the upcoming EU summit on 29-30 October, the situation in Afghanistan following the elections, the EU´s approach towards Iran and the EU´s relations with the Southern Caucasus are important issues on the agenda. Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will chair the Council meetings.
Sep 3 2009 Meeting of foreign ministers opens on Friday
At the end of this week, on 4-5 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will host the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, to be held at the Modern Museum and the Museum of Architecture in Stockholm.
Sep 1 2009 European Development Days (EDD)
European Development Days (EDD) is an annual event jointly organised by the European Commission and the country holding the Presidency of the EU. Sweden will be hosting this year's EDD on 22-24 October at the Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö. With several thousand delegates, it will be the largest meeting under the Swedish Presidency.
Aug 17 2009 Water - a climate and development issue
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson is to open and take part in the World Water Week in Stockholm, starting on Monday 17 August. "In the wake of climate change, the issue of water is becoming even more of a priority. Partly because of the increasing lack of water and partly because the water that we do have is being polluted," writes Ms Carlsson in an article published in Uppsala Nya Tidning.
Aug 12 2009 Palestinian Authority to receive direct support of SEK 50 million
"The Palestinian Authority is in a very difficult economic situation. A functioning Palestinian Authority is a prerequisite for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Aug 9 2009 Presidency Statement on the post-election trial in Tehran
Read more on se2009.eu
Aug 9 2009 Presidency Statement on the executions in Iran
Read more on se2009.eu
Aug 9 2009 Presidency Statement on evictions in East Jerusalem
Read more on se2009.eu
Jul 23 2009 One Embassy and four Consulates-General to close - Inquiry to review foreign representation
The Government today decided to close Sweden's Embassy in Colombo and the Consulates-General in Kaliningrad, Canton, Los Angeles and New York. Today the Government also adopted terms of reference for an inquiry to review the foreign representation.
Jul 6 2009 Sweden supports new UN function for children's rights
No less than 300 million children around the world are subjected to violence. Sweden is now increasing its commitment to these children by supporting the newly appointed UN representative to combat violence against children, Marta Santos Pais. Sweden will begin its economic support by making an initial contribution of SEK 3 million.
Jul 3 2009 Iran's Ambassador summoned to Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Iran's Ambassador in Stockholm was summoned today to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to meet State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage. Mr Belfrage delivered a sharply worded message to Ambassador Eslami concerning the locally engaged UK embassy staff in Tehran who are being detained by Iranian authorities.
Jul 3 2009 Gunilla Carlsson to meet the new UN Representative on violence against children
On Monday 6 July Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will meet Marta Santos Pais, the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children.
Jul 2 2009 Sweden sends election observers to Afghanistan
The Government decided today to contribute Swedish observers to the EU Election Observation Mission in Afghanistan. The elections will start on 20 August 2009. The Swedish contribution will initially consist of one long-term observer and two observers linked to the Embassy in Kabul. Sweden is prepared to send additional long- and short-term observers if the EU so requests.
Jun 26 2009 The Embassy closed to the public on 29 June
The Embassy will be closed to the public on Monday 29 June, and will open again on Tuesday 30 June.
Jun 26 2009 The Government sets up a Business and Development Council
The Government has decided to set up a Business and Development Council to assist the Government with advice on the best ways of making use of the Swedish business sectors experience and skills in developing countries.
Jun 22 2009 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visits Jordan and Syria
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling has visited the capitals of Jordan and Syria, Amman and Damascus, along with Swedish companies to stimulate increased trade between those countries and Sweden.
Jun 15 2009 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting Jordan and Syria on 15-17 June
With the objective of stimulating greater Swedish trade with Jordan and Syria, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is visiting Amman on Monday and will then travel on to Damascus.
Jun 11 2009 New development strategy for Iraq
The Government today adopted a new strategy for development cooperation with Iraq for the period 2009-2014. The new strategy is designed to contribute to a lasting peace in Iraq, improved living conditions and democratic development.
Jun 9 2009 Sweden takes on the challenge - Fredrik Reinfeldt on Sweden's priorities for the EU Presidency
“Managing the financial crisis and unemployment and addressing climate change – these will be the two main priorities of the Swedish Presidency.” So said Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt today at a seminar at CEPS, the Centre for European Policy Studies, in Brussels, where he spoke about the Swedish Presidency.
Jun 3 2009 President of the International Committee of the Red Cross visiting Sweden
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson today welcomed the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger. The meeting focused on Sweden's role in promoting compliance with international humanitarian law during the upcoming Presidency of the EU and the effects of the global crisis and the fact that the most vulnerable people in the world are the hardest hit by it.
May 29 2009 Business community discussed trade barriers with Björling
This week Minister for Trade Ewa Björling brought together about 30 representatives of the Swedish business community to discuss future trade policy challenges. More support for small and medium-sized enterprises and clearer links between aid and trade were some of the points raised by the companies represented.
May 25 2009 Carl Bildt on North Korean nuclear test
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt comments North Korea's nuclear test. - It is alarming that the North Korean regime continues to provoke the international community. - In a poor, oppressed society, this extremely closed regime is investing enormous resources on these increasingly serious provocations.
May 14 2009 Climate Commission: Rapid action now to address climate change
Gunilla Carlsson, who has led the work of the International Commission on Climate Change and Development, presented the Commission's final report to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York yesterday. New and additional money for climate adaptation is urgently needed concludes the Commission in its final report. Donors are urged to honour their ODA commitments. Local ownership is key. At the same time, effective global funding mechanisms are needed to address the climate challenges facing developing countries.
May 7 2009 Government report on development assistance results
The Government today presented a comprehensive report of development assistance performance to the Riksdag for the first time in the history of Swedish development assistance. "All in all, the Government considers that many of the development assistance initiatives taken have been very useful in relation to the set goals. At the same time, the Communication shows the difficulties in describing the long-term effects of the activities receiving support via Swedish development assistance," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
May 6 2009 Carl Bildt's Washington visit
On Tuesday 5 May, Carl Bildt met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington DC. Talks included Sweden's coming European Union Presidency, climate issues, the situation in the Middle East, Iran, Russia and other areas. The agenda for Minister Bildt's visit included discussions with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, National Security Advisor James Jones and Senator John Kerry.
May 4 2009 Ewa Björling hopeful of a free trade agreement with Gulf states
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling took part in a meeting in Oman last week between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting saw the resumption of the negotiations on a free trade agreement that were suspended last December.
Apr 30 2009 Young Leaders Visitors Programme – Network meeting at the Embassy
In 2008, the Swedish Institute launched a new intercultural leadership program which focuses on social media as a tool for positive change. Through the program, young opinion makers from the MENA region are invited to Sweden for training workshops on freedom of expression and social media. The aim is to lay a foundation for dialogue, mutual understanding, and knowledge sharing among young opinion makers from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, the West Bank and Gaza, and Sweden.
Apr 22 2009 EU Statement at the Durban Review Conference in Geneva
Today, Sweden's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Hans Dahlgren, delivered the EU statement for the General Segment of the Durban Review Conference on racism and xenophobia.
Apr 22 2009 Success in Geneva: Durban Review Conference final outcome document adopted
The UN Conference on racism in Geneva was able, on Tuesday afternoon, to adopt the Conference's final outcome document. The EU has been working intensively to ensure that the final outcome document focuses on the implementation of states' commitments with regard to the struggle against racism. Since the holder of the Presidency of the EU, the Czech Republic, chose to leave the Conference yesterday, Sweden as incoming President, is now representing the EU.
Apr 22 2009 Screening of European films in Cairo
During the month of May, all EU Embassies in Cairo will show a movie from their respective countries as a part of the "EU Film Club". The films will be screened at different cultural institutes, and at the Czech Embassy in Cairo. Sweden's contribution is the successful comedy "Wonderful and Loved by All".
Apr 17 2009 Gunilla Carlsson met with the Palestinian minister for planning
The Palestinian Authority's Planning Minister, Dr. Samir Abdullah, is in Stockholm to take part in a seminar arranged by the International Council of Swedish Industry, NIR, and the Palestine International Business Forum. He met Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on Friday afternoon for talks on international and Swedish aid and development in the Palestinian territories.
Apr 15 2009 Sweden's EU Presidency: A participative event on development and aid
On 22-24 October, Stockholm will host the annual European Development Days conference jointly with the European Commission. The EDD conference brings together partners in development to enhance debates and dialogue. As a platform for international debate, it is also about creating synergies of actors in international development, an exchange of good practices, and opportunities for meetings.
Apr 9 2009 Alliance of Civilisations conference in Istanbul
The UN initiative the Alliance of Civilisations recently held its second conference since its inception in 2005.
Mar 25 2009 The 2009 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award rewards work in the humanistic spirit of Astrid Lindgren. The 2009 award goes to the Tamer Institute. This organisation carries out reading promotion activities for children and young people in the West Bank and Gaza.
Mar 22 2009 Incorrect information about migration to Sweden
The information in one of the leading Arabic newspapers last week about Sweden opening up for immigrants IS NOT CORRECT.
Mar 20 2009 UN development assistance in the wake of the financial crisis
Both countries and organisations working with development cooperation are feeling the effects of the financial crisis. "What is important is to safeguard the achievements made in poverty reduction. We perhaps need to find more ways in which to work," says Joakim Stymne, State Secretary responsible for international development cooperation.
Mar 19 2009 Call for measurable goals for women in conflict areas
On Wednesday, the Minister for International Development Cooperation, Gunilla Carlsson, held a breakfast meeting on the new action plan adopted by the Government. The action plan is based on UN Resolution 1325 concerning how women are affected by and can affect armed conflicts.
Mar 9 2009 The Government has implemented a range of reforms to Swedish development cooperation
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will today present the reform of multilateral development cooperation at a press conference to be held in the Press Centre, Rosenbad from 11.00-11.45. This is one element of the ongoing overall reform work in Swedish development cooperation which also includes country focus and a stronger emphasis on results. At the same time the assessments of a number of multilateral humanitarian and development organisations that have been carried out at the Government Offices and Sida will be published on www.ud.se. Sweden will continue to strategically choose where it will be active and we must be open to the possibility of withdrawing from certain organisations, according to Ms Carlsson.
Mar 9 2009 Focus on Women's Rights
International Women's Day was celebrated on 8 March, but around the world there are many girls and women who are unable to exercise their human rights. "Women's participation is a prerequisite for economic and democratic development," says Björn Andersson, Deputy Head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Department for Development Policy.
Mar 4 2009 Human Rights important during the Swedish chairmanship
The UN Human Rights Council is holding its tenth regular session from 2 to 27 March in Geneva. State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage delivered Sweden's main address. The session will deal with a number of important issues, such as torture, freedom of religion and arbitrary deprivation of liberty. A full-day seminar is scheduled on the rights of the child. The Council will also discuss the mandates of the Special Rapporteurs on human rights in Somalia, Burma and North Korea. For Sweden, the session is particularly important as part of the preparations for the Swedish Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009.
Mar 2 2009 Gunilla Carlsson to Donor Conference for Gaza
On Monday 2 March Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlssson will take part in the international donor conference in support of the reconstruction of Gaza and the Palestinian Authority (Cairo International Conference to support the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza).
Feb 24 2009 Gunilla Carlsson to meet Mahmoud Abbas
On Wednesday 25 February, President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas will arrive in Sweden and meet Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Feb 24 2009 Statement by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on the royal engagement
On 24 February 2009 the Government decided, in accordance with Article 5 of the Act of Succession, to give its consent to the marriage between Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling.
Feb 18 2009 Statement of Foreign Policy 2009
Each February, the Minister for Foreign Affairs presents the Government's Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag. The presentation is followed by a debate. The Statement of Foreign Policy sets out the Government's priorities and views on various issues in the rest of the world during the year ahead.
Feb 3 2009 Carl Bildt in Gaza
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is the first EU minister to visit Gaza following the war. He is there to tour the area and visit Al Quds hospital, under the auspices of the UN.
Jan 29 2009 Sweden to send naval vessels to Somalia
The Government decided today to request the permission of the Riksdag to place Swedish armed forces at the disposal of the EU maritime operation off the coast of Somalia, Operation Atalanta.
Jan 22 2009 Minister for Trade opened new trade office in Cairo
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling opened the Swedish Trade Council's new office in Cairo on Tuesday evening. Rather than cutting a ribbon, Dr Björling and the President of the Swedish Trade Council, Ulf Berg, tied a symbolic knot between Egypt and Sweden. Photo: Jens Eriksson/MFA
Jan 15 2009 Gunilla Carlsson condemns attack on UNRWA headquarters in Gaza
The UNRWA headquarters in Gaza has been shelled during the morning and parts of the premises are now in flames. UNRWA has stated that three staff members have been injured and that it will not be possible to undertake today's distribution of food, medicine and fuel. According to the UN, Israel has said that the bombardment was a serious mistake. "It is totally unacceptable that UNRWA, the key humanitarian UN actor in Gaza, has been attacked in this manner. According to international law, humanitarian personnel have the right to protection. Israel must respect international law," says Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for International Development Cooperation.
Jan 9 2009 Security Council resolution welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt
"I strongly welcome the resolution that the UN Security Council was able to agree upon last night after almost three days of intensive negotiations," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement on Friday.
Jan 8 2009 Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Gaza
"Acts of warfare against, from and in Gaza must cease immediately. This must take place without delay. Israel can only achieve its goal of security from rockets and other attacks through political agreements firmly established in the region and in the international community as a whole. The ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting, sustainable solution will be intensified", said Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on a press conference today.
Jan 6 2009 Assisted departure from Gaza postponed
The Consulate-General in Jerusalem was informed on Tuesday evening that the planned assisted departure from Gaza due to take place on Wednesday 7 January was to be cancelled.
Jan 2 2009 Carl Bildt to the Middle East
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and the foreign ministers Karl Schwarzenberg of the Czech Republic and Bernard Kouchner of France will travel to Cairo and Jerusalem for talks.
Dec 29 2008 The Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel near Gaza in Israel
In view of the deterioration of the security situation around Gaza, until further notice the Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel near Gaza in Israel up to a distance of 40 km from Gaza.
Dec 28 2008 Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on the situation in Gaza
"I welcome the fact that the UN Security Council has now demanded an immediate halt to all military activities against and from Gaza," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in a statement on Sunday.
Dec 27 2008 Carl Bildt: Break the isolation of Gaza
"Today's extensive Israeli air attacks on a wide range of targets in the Gaza area means a serious continuation of the escalation of the tension begun when, just before Christmas, Hamas refused to renew the ceasefire that had been in place for the last six months", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, commenting on the latest developments in Gaza.
Dec 10 2008 Sixty years of human rights
Today marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption and announcement by the United Nations General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. The Government's commemoration of the Universal Declaration will take place in the Chamber of the Riksdag on 10 December. Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will be present.
Dec 9 2008 60th anniversary of the Genocide Convention
It is 60 years today since the UN General Assembly adopted the Genocide Convention. Genocide and other crimes against humanity are serious violations of human rights on a very great scale. Sweden has a strong interest in an international legal system that makes it possible to bring those responsible to account.
Dec 3 2008 Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on UN conference on financing for development in Doha
"It is important that the international community has been able to agree on how we should continue to mobilise resources in the fight against poverty. Combating poverty requires a global partnership and a sharing of responsibility," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, commenting on the outcome of the UN conference on financing for development that concluded recently in Doha.
Nov 28 2008 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling visiting the Gulf Region
On 28 November to 3 December, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman together with Invest in Sweden Agency (ISA) Director-General Per-Erik Sandlund and Swedish Trade Council regional manager Mats Paulson.
Nov 21 2008 Ewa Björling led trade delegation to Baghdad
For the first time in 20 years, a Swedish trade delegation has visited Iraq's capital, Baghdad. The visit was led by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, who was invited to Iraq in connection with the major conference on the country's reconstruction that was held in Stockholm in May. "For a small country like Sweden that depends on exports, it is very important to try to enter new, emerging markets as early as possible. I therefore felt it was important to travel to Baghdad now", says Dr Björling.
Nov 13 2008 Sweden increases support to Afghanistan
The Government will make three important decisions today which in various ways will strengthen and improve Sweden's support to Afghanistan. The decisions concern both our military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the design of a new strategy for our development assistance to Afghanistan.
Nov 5 2008 International Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights
Sweden will host an International Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights in Stockholm on 6-7 November. Among those attending the conference will be Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg. Some 200 people from around 70 countries will attend the conference.
Nov 3 2008 Arab journalists visiting Stockholm
Five Arab journalists on a visit to Stockholm experience the diversity of the Swedish capital. They come from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq/UK, Morocco and Algeria and are in Stockholm to take part in a programme for international journalists organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre. As part of a special initiative by the MFA Press Centre this autumn and next spring, journalists from the Middle East and North Africa will receive an introduction to Sweden. "We have experienced an open, informal and transparent country," says Mina Al-Oraibi, from Iraq/UK.
Oct 29 2008 Trade Seminars in Cairo and Alexandria
As part of its trade promotion, the Embassy last weekend arranged two trade seminars in Cairo and Alexandria respectively, both called Swedish Business Lunch Meeting. In Cairo, the event took place at Four Seasons Hotel on 16 October, and in Alexandria at the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, on 19 October. About 60 guests attended each seminar. (Ambassador Malin Kärre and guests. Photo: Swedish Embassy, Cairo)
Oct 24 2008 Sweden increases its contribution to the International Development Association (IDA)
The Government decided today to allocate SEK 6.1 billion to the International Development Association (IDA) over the period 2008-2017. IDA is the part of the World Bank that focuses on the poorest countries. Sweden-s increase is now around 33 per cent.
Oct 20 2008 New head of MFA's Middle East and North Africa Department visits Iraq
Robert Rydberg, an MFA diplomat with many years' experience, has spent several days travelling around Iraq in a helmet and bullet-proof vest on his first official trip. The new head of the Middle East and North Africa Department wanted to observe one of the most important countries in his new field of work with his own eyes.
Oct 10 2008 European Day against the Death Penalty
Today is the European Day against the Death Penalty. Europe today is the only region in the world where the death penalty is no longer applied. On the occasion of the day, Carl Bildt, in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and Bernard Kouchner, on behalf of the French Presidency of the European Council, have also written a joint article that is being published in a number of national and international newspapers.
Oct 4 2008 Carl Bildt on the terrorist attack in Turkey
"The democratic reform process in Turkey is now gradually creating better conditions, also for those regions of the country that are dominated by Kurdish population groups, and it is these positive developments that the PKK wants to curb by means of terror", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Sep 30 2008 Government to reinforce democracy assistance
Yesterday the Government presented a written communication on Sweden´s democracy assistance to the Riksdag, and in doing so took another important step towards changing Swedish development assistance.
Jul 3 2008 Strong innovation drives Sweden forward
It is not by accident that Swedish companies Ikea, Ericsson, Electrolux, Volvo and Saab are well known far beyond Sweden's borders. For a country that prides itself on doing things in moderation, Sweden is surprisingly bold when it comes to innovation.
May 7 2008 Egyptian Swedish Symposium 3 – 7 May 2008, commemorating Professor Vivi Täckholm
The Embassy of Sweden and the Botany Department of the Faculty of Science of the Cairo University arranged on 3-7 May 2008 an Egyptian Swedish Symposium commemorating the life and achievements of Professor Vivi Täckholm.

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