It is an honour to speak to you all today about the strong ties between Japan and Sweden. Our two nations established diplomatic relations in 1868 and in 2018, we celebrated 150 years of successful cooperation.
In the 18th century, the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg published the first flora of Japan (the Flora Japonica). Since then, our partnership has expanded across multiple fields, including business, science and innovation, and culture.
On a personal note, the relations between the Swedish Royal Family and the Imperial House of Japan are close. Both the Crown Princess and I have fond memories of the World Expos organised by Japan in the past. I was in Osaka in 1970, in Tsukuba in 1985, and in 2005 the Crown Princess visited the World Expo in Aichi.
In December last year, the Swedish Prime Minister visited Japan. During the visit our nations announced a strategic partnership, paving the way for long-term collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, the green transition, and research and innovation.
As an EU Member State, we are also pleased that the EU-Japan strategic partnership from 2018 continues to grow deeper and more dynamic. It is based on longstanding cooperation, common interests and shared values.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Japan is Sweden’s third largest trading partner in Asia and our second largest export market in the region. 1,500 Swedish companies trade with Japan, of which 150 are established in your country. Japanese investments in Sweden have also increased in recent years, particularly in the steel industry and in energy and infrastructure.
I would like to congratulate Japan for organising this successful event! World Expo provides an excellent platform for new collaborations, strengthening our business and cultural ties. Soon, we will have the pleasure of enjoying a musical performance that symbolises the fruitful cooperation between Japanese artists and Swedish music producers.
As we look to the future, our countries remain committed to deepening our partnership, fostering innovation, and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
Thank you.
AloJapan.com