Ambassador Alexander Berg highlighted Pak-Sweden’s strong ties, vibrant culture, and friendly people.
Islamabad : Ambassador of Sweden H. E. Alexander Berg Von Linde hosted end of the year reception and ‘Lucia Celebration’ at the Swedish residence.
Welcoming the guests, the Swedish ambassador said the year was ending at a time when a host of challenges were confronting the world.
The Swedish Embassy brought the magic of Lucia to Islamabad on December 13, 2024, with a beautiful evening filled with music, candles, and Swedish treats.
Lucia is one of Sweden’s most cherished traditions, celebrating light and hope during the darkest time of the year. The highlight of the evening was the Lucia procession, where participants from the wider Swedish and Nordic community dressed in white sang traditional Swedish songs while carrying candles, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Guests also enjoyed delicious saffron buns, gingerbread cookies, and other Swedish delicacies, giving everyone a true taste of Sweden.
Ambassador H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde welcomed guests and shared her thoughts on her first months in Pakistan. She spoke about the friendly people, the vibrant culture, and the strong ties between Sweden and Pakistan, which are especially meaningful as the two countries celebrate 75 years of partnership this year.
“Lucia is about bringing people together with light and hope, and it is wonderful to share this tradition with our friends in Pakistan,” said Ambassador H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde. “This event is a reminder of the strong bond between our countries and the joy of sharing traditions.”
The Embassy showed appreciation for everyone who joined and helped making the evening special. The celebration truly highlighted the power of light, unity, and friendship.
With Swedish-themed decorations, lively conversations, and a sense of community, the evening was a perfect blend of culture and connection.
It was a big and cheerful event as an international choir performed at the lawn of the ambassador’s residence in presence of a large number of children.
The guests not only enjoyed the performance of the children singing hymns in white clothes, they also chanced to know one another.
Partners and friends of Sweden from different spheres of the society, including government, Swedish and Pakistani business community, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, Media, and civil society also turned up to attend the performance.
It was an opportunity to connect and explore future collaborations.
Report by Sohail Majeed Butt