The Embassy of Sweden hosted a special event at the embassy garden in Cairo on the evening of Sunday 7 June to celebrate the country’s National Day.
Close to a 1000 Egyptians, Swedes and other nationalities gathered to join in the celebration. There were diplomats, ministers of State, politicians, young leaders and students, and civil society and media representatives.
In her welcome speech Swedish Ambassador to Egypt, Charlotta Sparre, said: “the National Day of Sweden is an occasion to show some of what Sweden stands for and what we do, but equally important it is a chance to meet and celebrate, together with Egyptians, the strong and historical relations between our two countries.”
This year’s celebration focused on education, innovation and entrepreneurship; and the event included a number of exhibitions showcasing Sweden as a study destination and the role played by Swedish companies in Egypt to support these fields, as well as Sweden’s journey towards becoming one of the most innovative nations worldwide. Later this year, the Embassy will continue with more activities to promote Swedish Egyptian exchanges between entrepreneurs from the both countries.
Among the highlights of the celebration was the decoration of Sweden’s Honorary Consul in Suez, Dr Mahmoud Gomaa, who received on behalf of the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Kungliga Nordstjärneorden, for his dedicated service of the Sweden’s interests for 37 years.
The young Egyptian photographer Ibrahim al-Moly was awarded the first prize for the Embassy’s photo competition “Swedish Innovations – Egyptian touch”, for his exceptional photo representing the Swedish innovation, Bambuser.
Throughout the evening the guests enjoyed a fusion of Arabic music and Nordic folk tunes played by Swedish band Tarabband. Based in the Swedish city Malmö, Tarabband symbolises the melting pot of what the Swedish society has become since few years, with the band’s leading singer, Nadin Al Khalidi having Egyptian-Iraqi origins.
This National Day celebration was organised in collaboration with the Swedish companies represented in Egypt: ABB, Absolut, Al Mashfa Hospital/Stockholm Care, Atlas Copco, Electrolux, Ericsson, Gambro, Gamma Knife Center, Ikea, Oriflame, Scania, SKF, Swedish Group, Tetra Pak and Volvo. EgyptAir sponsored the trip for the Swedish music band Tarabband.
Watani International
13 June 2015
The photo shows Watani’s Danial with the Swedish Ambassador