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Swedish Foreign Minister Billstrom Steps Down

FILE - Sweden's Foreign Minister Tobias Billström speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)
FILE - Sweden's Foreign Minister Tobias Billström speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)
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Swedish Foreign Minister Billstrom Steps Down

FILE - Sweden's Foreign Minister Tobias Billström speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)
FILE - Sweden's Foreign Minister Tobias Billström speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Wednesday he will step down next week after almost two years in office, during which his traditionally non-aligned country joined NATO.
"It is with a mixture of sadness and pride that I have today informed the prime minister that I will leave the post of foreign minister at the opening of parliament next week," Billstrom, a member of the conservative Moderate Party, said in a post on X.
The 50-year-old, who became foreign minister in October 2022, said he would leave politics but had not decided what he would do next, reported Reuters.
"The government has under Tobias' lead clearly changed Swedish foreign policy's priorities," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Instagram.
Billstrom, who previously served as migration minister, said he had been considering stepping down for some time.

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Pezeshkian Calls for Major Reforms to Address Iran’s Challenges

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)
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Pezeshkian Calls for Major Reforms to Address Iran’s Challenges

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech to traders and economic activists in Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran (Iranian Presidency)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for significant reforms in various sectors, stating that “the people’s satisfaction is the first and most important step.”
At the same time, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cautioned against hindering the new government, which is supported by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Speaking to merchants in northeastern Iran, Pezeshkian said: “In any plan we pursue, we must consider the vulnerable and ensure they are not harmed by development. We cannot allow our actions to push the people into crises.”
Using his background in surgery, Pezeshkian likened the country’s problems to medical issues needing surgical intervention but did not offer specific solutions.
“The people want to stay connected with their leaders. Our job now is to earn their trust. Any plan we undertake must involve them,” he said.
He stressed that while there are big tasks ahead, it is crucial to show that these efforts are for the people's benefit.
Pezeshkian also highlighted the poverty in eastern and western regions despite their resources, calling for justice and cooperation to remove obstacles.
He advocated for giving more authority to provincial governors, arguing that decentralization is necessary.
However, he warned that granting power without a clear plan could lead to chaos.
“We need to know what we’re building before we give authority to those responsible,” he said.
Pezeshkian stressed that for his government to succeed, trade and industry must flourish.
“If my government is to continue, these sectors must thrive; otherwise, my leadership is meaningless,” he stated.
He emphasized that the government’s role is to create a safe and supportive environment for businesses.
Pezeshkian plans to visit several countries, starting with Iraq and Turkmenistan.
“We’re discussing what we should focus on with them. If we can establish a good environment for trade and exports at our borders, we can achieve economic growth,” he affirmed.
“As I visit different nations, my job is to pave the way for better trade,” confirmed Pezeshkian.
He has directed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade to prepare plans for his meetings abroad.
“If we use these opportunities wisely, we can boost the economy, create jobs, and solve many problems,” he added.
Pezeshkian emphasized that these visits will only be successful with cooperation across the government and a shared vision for trade, the economy, and industry.
Earlier this week, in his first official television interview, Pezeshkian stated that the country needs $100 billion in foreign investment to achieve an 8% growth rate.
He emphasized that this goal hinges on the country’s relationships abroad—with the world, neighbors, and the Iranian diaspora.