KUWAIT CITY, Nov 13: Swedish Ambassador to Kuwait Fredrik Florén affirmed that relations between Sweden and Kuwait over the past six decades are historic and distinguished, built on friendship, mutual trust, and close cooperation in various fields.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Swedish Embassy on Wednesday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Florén highlighted the continuous growth of ties since the establishment of relations in 1965. The event was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, along with heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and leading Kuwaiti business figures.

Florén pointed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Political Consultations in October this year, which he said would enhance mutual understanding and constructive political dialogue. He also recalled the shared experience of Sweden and Kuwait as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2018, when the two countries worked together on several key global issues, including the humanitarian situation in Syria. He expressed Sweden’s appreciation for Kuwait’s partnership and cooperation within the international community.

The ambassador noted that cooperation between the two friendly nations spans a wide range of sectors, including technology, artificial intelligence, energy, recycling, life sciences, and the economy. He added with a touch of humor that many Swedes “deal with Kuwait daily when refueling, whether at gas stations or when filling up their cars.”

Florén emphasized that Sweden’s presence in Kuwait goes beyond trade and industry, pointing to the Kuwait Towers — designed by Swedish architectural firm Lindström in 1965 — as a lasting symbol of the strong bond between the two countries. “The towers remind us that the relationship between us is not just on paper, but also on the horizon,” he remarked.

He further highlighted the presence of numerous Swedish companies operating in Kuwait in fields such as communications technology, medical equipment, automobiles, and home furnishings. Florén commended Kuwaiti entrepreneurs for their active role in strengthening economic ties and deepening bilateral trade.

Concluding his remarks, the ambassador reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Kuwait across all levels — political, economic, and cultural — and expressed confidence that the strong friendship between the two nations would continue to flourish in the years ahead.

The Swedish Embassy hosted a ceremony marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Sweden.