ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Sweden Thursday hosted a reception to mark Sweden’s National Day and commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

The event brought together senior government officials, business leaders, civil society, cultural figures, alumni, the diplomatic community, media and friends of Sweden to celebrate this significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries, a press release issued here said. A major highlight of the evening was the launch of a commemorative book titled “75 Years of Partnership – Sweden and Pakistan¸ accompanied by a mini book exhibition.

The book and exhibition offered a glimpse into the 75-year journey of partnership, friendship and cooperation between Sweden and Pakistan. It traced key milestones in diplomatic relations, highlighting the important moments and official visits that helped shape the relationship between the two nations, the statement noted. The exhibition also put a spotlight on the role of Swedish companies in Pakistan and their contributions to the country’s economic development, through innovation, expertise, technology and investments.

Over 40 Swedish companies were active in Pakistan, operating across diverse sectors including information technology, telecommunications, packaging, industrial tools, clean and green technology, transport, energy, textiles and others.

The exhibition also celebrated the many personal and professional connections between people in both countries. “From students and educators to entrepreneurs, human rights activists and artists, these individual stories reflect unique perspectives of a shared journey,” read the statement. Guests were treated to a live musical performance by local artists, who performed a selection of Swedish songs, a fun tribute to Sweden’s global music scene.

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde remarked, “This evening is a celebration of Sweden’s National Day, as well as a tribute to 75 years of friendship and cooperation between Sweden and Pakistan. Our common journey is a story of many voices. The anniversary is a celebration of some of the individuals, companies and institutions that have contributed to this partnership in their own unique ways.”

Chief Guest Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who is the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, also spoke to guests saying, “Pakistan deeply values its longstanding relationship with Sweden. The collaboration between our countries particularly in the areas of technology, innovation, and sustainability has laid a strong foundation for the future.”

The embassy said it looked forward to continued collaboration in areas such as trade, climate action, innovation, education and gender equality.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025