https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Sept 08 (Diplomatic Star): Sweden’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alex Berg von Linde, has completed her first year in the country, a milestone she marked with heartfelt reflections on culture, people, and partnerships as Sweden and Pakistan celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The envoy shared a short video showcasing her travels, work, food, art, culture, and civil society experiences, as well as Sweden’s operations in Pakistan field sites and across the country.
Ambassador Linde described her first year as “an intense and enriching experience,” highlighting Pakistan’s hospitality, cultural vibrancy, and Sweden’s development partnerships.
She said the year passed “in the blink of an eye,” filled with meetings, exchanges, and exploration that gave her a deep appreciation of Pakistan’s resilience and potential.
“It has been a year full of interesting meetings and new experiences,” she remarked, underscoring how quickly her time had unfolded since assuming her role in Islamabad.
Her video message featured images of historic cities, vibrant bazaars, green valleys, snowy peaks, and conversations with people from across society.
From women leaders and grassroots organizations to youth groups, entrepreneurs, and artists, her interactions captured the human stories that, in her view, shape the strength of Pakistan-Sweden friendship.
Celebrating 75 Years of Bilateral Ties
Her reflections carried added weight as they coincided with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Pakistan, which were first established in 1949. For Ambassador Linde, this historic milestone gave her mission a broader context and deeper responsibility.
“Marking 75 years of friendship between Sweden and Pakistan gave me a unique chance to reflect on the historical bonds between our countries,” she noted. “We look forward to building on this legacy and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
Events commemorating the anniversary included cultural exhibitions, policy dialogues, and youth engagements, bringing together diplomats, civil society representatives, academics, and government officials.
According to her, these activities reaffirmed the people-to-people dimension of diplomacy, which she considered central to strong bilateral ties.
Discovering Pakistan’s Rich Culture
Among the highlights of her first year, Ambassador Linde pointed to Pakistan’s cultural wealth, which she described as “a treasure of art, heritage, and tradition.”
From Lahore’s Mughal architecture and bustling food streets to Islamabad’s modern yet traditional mix, she praised the country’s vibrant culture as both fascinating and inspiring.
She shared her appreciation for Pakistan’s cuisine, which she called “a journey of flavors and diversity.”
Dishes such as biryani, curries, kebabs, and sweets like gulab jamun, she said, were more than meals—they were cultural experiences that revealed Pakistan’s regional richness.
“The warmth of the people, combined with their passion for food, hospitality, and tradition, makes every experience unforgettable,” she said, adding that food had often been a way for her to connect with people informally and learn more about daily life.
Encounters with Pakistan’s Natural Beauty
Her video also showcased Pakistan’s landscapes, which she described as “truly world-class.” She spoke of the snow-covered mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, the deserts of Sindh, the fertile plains of Punjab, and the valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The diversity of Pakistan’s landscapes is astonishing. The mountains, valleys, rivers, and deserts are not only beautiful but also tell stories of resilience and heritage,” she remarked.
Traveling through these regions, she said, gave her a chance to meet communities living in remote areas, whose resilience, creativity, and generosity left a lasting impression.
Engagement with Civil Society and Women Leaders
One of the defining aspects of her first year was her engagement with Pakistan’s civil society, particularly women leaders and activists. Ambassador Linde praised the role of Pakistani women in shaping the country’s future, describing them as sources of inspiration and progress.
“I have been deeply inspired by the women of Pakistan—their determination, their leadership, and their vision for a more inclusive society.
Civil society here is vibrant and dynamic, playing a vital role in promoting dialogue and solutions for the challenges facing the country,” she said.
Her visits included meetings with organizations working on education, health, gender equality, and social justice—fields that align closely with Sweden’s development cooperation priorities.
She emphasized that such encounters were not only professional but also personal, offering her insight into the aspirations and struggles of everyday Pakistanis.
Sweden’s Development Partnerships in Pakistan
Reflecting on Sweden’s role in Pakistan, Ambassador Linde noted that her first year allowed her to see how development partnerships had been making a difference.
Sweden, she said, has worked alongside international organizations, government bodies, and local communities in areas such as education, climate change adaptation, human rights, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.
“Sweden’s engagement in Pakistan is about partnership and mutual learning. We are proud to support initiatives that empower local communities, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable development,” she explained.
She highlighted examples of Swedish-supported projects in youth skills training, women’s entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and access to education for marginalized groups.
According to her, these initiatives not only tackled urgent social and environmental issues but also built trust and understanding between the two nations.
Reflections on Pakistani Society
Ambassador Linde described Pakistani society as “diverse, complex, and full of potential.” She said her interactions with farmers, students, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and artists gave her a deeper understanding of the country’s challenges but also of its promise.
“What stands out is the resilience of the people. Despite difficulties, there is a spirit of hope and determination that inspires me greatly. The younger generation, in particular, is energetic, innovative, and eager to shape a better future,” she remarked.
She also spoke warmly of Pakistani hospitality, which she said remained one of the most memorable parts of her experience.
“Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with generosity and kindness. This spirit of hospitality is truly one of Pakistan’s greatest strengths,” she observed.
Looking Ahead: A Second Year of Opportunities
As she begins her second year in Pakistan, Ambassador Linde said she was optimistic about what lay ahead.
She expressed her eagerness to consolidate the progress made in her first year while opening new avenues for cooperation.
“Looking forward to an equally exciting second year, I am eager to deepen our cooperation, strengthen our partnerships, and continue to learn from the richness of this country,” she said.
She emphasized that future efforts would focus on emerging fields such as green technology, sustainable trade, and cultural exchanges, while continuing to expand the people-to-people dimension of ties.
A Personal Journey Beyond Diplomacy
While her posting in Islamabad is a professional responsibility, Ambassador Linde described her experience in deeply personal terms.
“This journey has enriched me both professionally and personally. I am grateful for every person I have met, every story I have heard, and every lesson I have learned. Pakistan will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.
Her first year, she added, had been about building not just official partnerships but also friendships and personal connections that she believed would endure beyond her tenure.
Sweden-Pakistan Relations: A Lasting Partnership
Sweden and Pakistan first established diplomatic relations in 1949, and since then, cooperation has expanded in multiple fields, including trade, education, culture, human rights, and climate action.
Ambassador Linde said that the 75th anniversary was more than a ceremonial milestone. “Seventy-five years is not just a number; it is a testament to the friendship, trust, and cooperation between our two nations.
I am confident that the future will bring even stronger ties and greater achievements together,” she remarked.
The anniversary was marked with cultural events, exhibitions, and policy dialogues that showcased the maturity of bilateral relations and highlighted areas for further collaboration.
As Ambassador Alex Berg von Linde reflects on her first year in Pakistan, her words highlight the spirit of diplomacy as a bridge between people, cultures, and nations.
Her admiration for Pakistan’s culture, food, landscapes, and people, combined with her commitment to advancing development partnerships, underlines the growing significance of Sweden-Pakistan ties.
Her optimism for the future, grounded in the lessons and connections of the past year, reflects a sense of continuity and shared vision.
As she embarks on her second year, her journey stands as a reminder that diplomacy is not only about statecraft but also about shared humanity, everyday encounters, and lasting friendships.
