(MENAFN- Tales & Heads)
The Embassy of Sweden in Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level reception in Kuwait to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Sweden and the State of Kuwait.

The event took place at the Al Hashemi II Ballroom, with distinguished guests from the
Government of Kuwait — including Guest of Honour His Excellency Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Affairs, representatives from various other ministries — alongside members of the diplomatic community, Swedish companies, and the private sector.

In his remarks, H.E. Fredrik Floren, Ambassador of Sweden to the State of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, highlighted six decades of friendship rooted in “trust, shared values, and a commitment to peaceful cooperation.” He expressed Sweden’s deep appreciation for the Government and people of Kuwait, noting: “This evening is a celebration of friendship, trust, and shared vision. Over six decades, our countries have built the foundation for the next 60 years — and beyond.”

Strengthening Political Engagement

Ambassador Floren recalled key diplomatic milestones this year, including presenting his credentials to Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdullah Al-Yahya, in January. In October, Sweden’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dag Hartelius, visited Kuwait and met with H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, where they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations — establishing a formal mechanism for regular dialogue between our two countries. for deeper bilateral dialogue. The State Secretary also held constructive meetings with senior government officials, underscoring the momentum in Sweden–Kuwait relations. He also noted the significant cooperation in 2018, when Sweden and Kuwait jointly served on the United Nations Security Council, working together on conflict resolution and humanitarian priorities such as support for the people of Syria. The Ambassador underscored future areas of collaboration, including technology, artificial intelligence, the green economy, recycling, transport, and life sciences, describing the partnership as “strategic and steady — one built on reliability and shared growth.” Highlighting concrete examples of Swedish–Kuwaiti cooperation, Ambassador Floren said: “Our partnership isn’t only diplomatic and commercial — it quite literally fuels daily life. Through OKQ8, a Sweden–Kuwait joint venture since 1999 and one of Scandinavia’s largest energy retailers, we see how Kuwait is present in Sweden every day. And here in Kuwait, Swedish design is visible in the Kuwait Towers, a symbol of innovation and enduring friendship.”

Recognizing Key Kuwaiti Partners

The event celebrated several prominent Kuwaiti families and companies whose leadership and partnership have strengthened bilateral ties:

Marafie Group — Representing Tork, an Essity brand, for over 40 years. The legacy began with Mr. Husain Marafie, who received the Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star in 1997 for his contributions to relations with Sweden. Today, leadership continues under Chairman Mr. AbdulIlah Marafie.

Al Homaizi Group / IKEA Kuwait — Bringing IKEA to Kuwait in 1984, the family introduced generations of Kuwaitis to Swedish design and functionality. The brand remains instantly identifiable with its blue-and-yellow Swedish heritage and Swedish-language product names.

Ali Abdulwahab Al Mutawa Commercial Co. (AAW) & Cura Health — Led by Chairman and CEO Mr. Faisal Ali Al Mutawa, are leading Kuwaiti companies driving growth in the healthcare sector. AAW is a major partner of Swedish Brands, bringing Swedish life-science excellence to the country's healthcare landscape. Cura Health plays a vital role in strengthening Kuwait's public health and wellbeing by bringing global pharmaceutical and healthcare brands to the country and supporting both the private and public sectors.

Alshaya Group — A long-standing retail partner that brought H&M to Kuwait in 2006 and later expanded with H&M Group brands such as & Other Stories, showcasing Swedish design and reliability across the region.

Behbehani Family — Representing Ericsson in Kuwait since 1965 and instrumental in building the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. In recognition of this longstanding partnership, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf conferred the Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star on Mr. Morad Yousuf Behbehani.

BNK Automotive — Under the leadership of Mr. Bader AlKharafi, BNK revamped the presence of Volvo in Kuwait after 2020 and introduced Polestar, Kuwait’s first fully electric car brand, supporting the nation’s sustainable mobility ambitions. Cultural Celebration

Cultural Celebration

Guests enjoyed musical performances, including a tribute to ABBA.

The song “Voyage is about opening new doors together,” Ambassador Florén said. “And tonight, aboard the magnificent wooden Al Hashemi — a symbol of Kuwait’s seafaring heritage — this setting reminds us that Sweden and Kuwait are ready to set sail into a new chapter of cooperation.”

Shared Vision for the Future

Ambassador Florén reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to being a steady and reliable partner to Kuwait in a rapidly changing global environment.

“Our strongest asset is trust between people,” he said. “Swedish companies bring not only products but solutions — innovation, sustainability, and long-term commitment.”

The ambassador expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its warm hospitality, to the Swedish
community for its contributions in business and culture, and to all partners for their role in deepening bilateral ties.

Looking Ahead

The evening concluded with a call to further strengthen connections across trade, education, culture, and technology.

“Thank you for being part of this journey,” Ambassador Floren said. “We look forward to building the next milestone — together.”

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