Sweden has long history of academic excellence

Saudi Arabia is not only a very important economic and political actor, shaping regional and global events but also Sweden’s largest trading partner in the region.
Few things are as political as successful economic cooperation — which is proved by the close cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sweden in a wide range of areas.
The Swedish presence in Saudi Arabia is longstanding and involves companies, business persons, doctors and engineers who have participated in the development of the public and private sector as well as in important infrastructure project — and they continue to do so.
Today, Swedish companies are active in health, environmental technology, education, ICT and transport infrastructure.
Sweden is committed to remaining as a close partner to Saudi Arabia in all these fields and as the ambassador of Sweden I am proud to be part of the efforts to strengthening the ties further.
Sweden is one of the largest countries in Europe, with great diversity in its nature and climate. Sweden’s best culinary treasures have always come from the forest and the sea.
This is also true today, when Swedish cuisine is being shaped by influences from the whole world and the country’s chefs are winning so many international awards that some observers speak of the Swedish gastronomic miracle.
I am therefore proud to present this year’s theme “Try Swedish!” at our National Day celebration.
For me, personally, “Try Swedish!” is an open invitation from my country to taste and explore the world of our food culture.
The vision is not about being better than any other food culture — it is about providing better products, better food, beverages and experiences in Sweden.
Our farmers and producers care about nature and raw ingredients.
Our chefs are creating tasty dishes that combine our heritage with ideas from all over the world.
They pay close attention to animal health and welfare.
Our chefs and public officials are working to provide tastier food in schools, hospitals and elderly homes.
Our companies are inventing new products for the modern consumer. And every day, throughout the country, people are developing new cultural and culinary experiences.
Sweden has a reputation of being an environmental forerunner.
Sustainability certainly lies close to our hearts, and while we are one of the world’s largest per capita consumers of electricity, we are informed consumers and one of few industrialized countries to reduce carbon emissions over the last decades.
Sweden ranks first in the EU in consumption of organic food, leads the way in recycling, and gets a high share of its energy from renewable sources.
Sweden is one of the world’s innovation leaders. Not only is Sweden home to the largest number of multinational companies per capita, but it also serves as a base for tomorrow’s emerging industries, including environmental technology, life sciences and ICT.
Sweden invests a larger share of its GDP on research and development than most other countries, and has the advantage of some basic prerequisites for an innovative climate to thrive.
Sweden’s status as a leader in innovation, as a home of trendsetters and early adopters, is nothing new: the list of Swedish world-changing inventions is a long one and includes breakthroughs like Skype, the pacemaker and Spotify.
One of my top priorities is to increase the exchange of students between our Kingdoms.
Sweden has a long and proud history of academic excellence and despite its relatively small population, it’s home to some of the world’s best universities.
In 2013, the Swedish higher education system was ranked number two in the world.
When you choose to try Sweden, you don’t just pick a place — you pick a future!

— Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Ambassador of Sweden