Sweden launches web portal for Afghan issue

Sweden Wednesday launched a web portal for Swedish support in international involvement in Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for Defense Sten Tolgfors are the three key persons to launch the portal.

"Sweden's involvement in Afghanistan is long-term and is one of the most important expressions of our commitment to international peace, democracy and development," said Bildt, Carlsson and Tolgfors in a joint statement.

"We want to report, in a simple and coordinated way, on why Sweden is involved in Afghanistan, what we do and how we do it," the statement said.

The portal gathers information on different aspects of the Swedish operation -- diplomatic, military, civilian and development cooperation.

It contains background information on the Swedish and international involvement and facts about the country of Afghanistan, the statement said.

The portal has been developed by the Government Offices in cooperation with the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Sida and the National Police Board, according to the statement.

Source: Xinhua