Islamabad (GNP): President Asif Ali Zardari has conveyed warm congratulations to the government and people of Sweden on the occasion of their National Day.
In his message, the President said Pakistan holds its longstanding friendship with Sweden in high regard, noting that diplomatic ties established in 1949 have been sustained by mutual respect and a common dedication to international peace and multilateral cooperation.
President Zardari expressed satisfaction at the steady growth of bilateral engagement, particularly in renewable energy, technology, telecommunications, textiles, and agriculture, and identified significant room to further expand the two countries’ trade relationship. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening these mutually rewarding ties in the years to come.
Sweden’s National Day was marked with a well-attended reception in Islamabad, hosted by Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde. Held under the theme “Made with Sweden,” the event celebrated the bilateral relationship’s foundations in innovation, sustainability, and shared economic ambitions.
The gathering brought together a broad cross-section of guests including government ministers, opposition figures, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, and Swedish alumni.
Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani attended as chief guest, joined by cabinet colleagues Ali Pervaiz Malik, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Musadik Malik, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Barrister Aqeel Malik. Senior political figures Sherry Rehman, Aitzaz Ahsan, and Raoof Hasan were also present.
Ambassador Berg von Linde highlighted that Swedish companies operating in Pakistan have moved well beyond a straightforward export model, they are now manufacturing locally, driving innovation, and building collaborative partnerships with Pakistani counterparts, generating employment and contributing to industrial development. “It is a mutually beneficial relationship that empowers local industry, spurs economic growth and improves daily life,” she remarked.
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A centrepiece of the evening was an exhibition spotlighting prominent Swedish firms with established footprints in Pakistan, demonstrating how Swedish technological expertise is feeding into Pakistan’s industrial and digital advancement.
Among the exhibitors were Hitachi Energy and Wah Nobel Group, presenting cutting-edge solutions in energy infrastructure and industrial technologies.
