The Swedish Presidency of the European Union, which takes over from the Czech Republic in July, will be including immigration among its priorities focusing on trade with Africa to improve the situation in this continent.

Addressing a joint news conference with Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, Swedish Trade Minister Ewa Björling acknowledged that illegal migration was a big problem for Malta but said that Sweden was one of the countries which had welcomed the biggest number of Iraqi refugees and it had turned the situation to one of unique opportunities for the country.

Giving an example, she said Sweden had utilised Iraqi expertise and language skills to train Swedish nationals and improve international trade.

Dr Björling said that other Swedish priorities were the handling of the financial crisis - stimulating trade to avoid protectionism and climate, energy and environmental issues.

Mr Fenech said that Malta's input in stimulating development in Africa was political rather than financial - to convince the European countries to make this a priority.

Earlier in the day, Dr Björling also visited Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Photo shows Dr Björling with Dr Gonzi this morning. Photographer: Jeremy Wonnacott, DOI

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