The following is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Clayton M. McCleskey:

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met today with The Honorable Isabella Lövin, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate of the Kingdom of Sweden, during the United Nations General Assembly. Ms. Carin Jämtin, the Director-General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), also joined the meeting.

Administrator Green shared his vision that the purpose of foreign assistance is to end its need to exist. He thanked the Swedish Government for its partnership in promoting sustainable long-term development, especially in fragile states. The Administrator and Minister agreed upon the importance of building the capacity of national institutions in developing countries and bolstering civil-society organizations to foster durable, self-reliant communities. They also discussed opportunities to continue Swedish-American collaboration in renewable energy through Power Africa.