Sweden, which celebrates its National Day today, has come a long way since 1523 when Gustav Vasa successfully revolted against the Danes. Today. Sweden's importance and impact are far out of proportion to its size and supposed military prowess. A country of less than nine million people, Sweden has developed a democratic society whose human rights records are second to none. Its economy is a unique blend of successful capitalism and socialism, ensuring competitiveness of its enterprises as well as prosperity and socio-economic security of its people. Its pursuit of an Independent and non-aligned foreign policy, coupled with a persistent campaign for a decrease in global spending on arms, has earned it many friends.

Sweden's friendship with Bangladesh, from the early days of Stockholm's support for our Independence in 1971, is one of those rarities in international relations, being based on a shared worldview and aspirations, rather than narrow self-interest dictated by geo-political considerations. For the past two decades Bangladesh has strove, within its limited capacity, for a world where small countries could develop economically without being subjected to neo-colonlalist exploitation and subjugation, and be counted as an equal in the family of nations. Sweden has stood by Bangladesh, because its beliefs are no different.

The pattern of Swedish assistance to Bangladesh exemplifies its often-stated belief in a type of development that can only be Judged against the actual quality of life enjoyed by the people, rather than the mileage of roads and bridges it builds. The concentration of Swedish aid in the areas of health, education and generation of employment for poor, rural folks, bears out the philosophy.

Bangladesh has a lot to learn from Sweden, not only from its approach to development where it sees the human element as being central, but also from the northern European country’s success in insuring democratic rights for Its,people, including long-term social security. Finally, Sweden's close economic and political interaction with neighbours stands as an example of how regional cooperation, rather than confrontation, can be to the benefit of all.