On June 20-21, events in Stockholm dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Sweden took place.

In Stockholm’s famous Vasa theatre which reopened it’s doors for audience after long term reconstruction, a performance of the Armenian ballet troupe “Forceful Feelings” was held with the participation of Armenian and foreign soloists from Swedish Royal Ballet, Bavarian State Ballet and State Ballet of Berlin. Selection of works by Swedish, Armenian and international renown choreographers Mats Ek, Nacho Duato, Arsen Mehrabyan, Jiri Bubenicek, Dustin Klein, Johan Inger and others were performed.

Before the performance Ambassador Apitonian addressed the audience with a detailed speech on Armenian-Swedish historical connections and a quarter of a century long Armenian-Swedish interstate relations. He presented the progress of Armenian-Swedish political dialogue, economic ties, cultural-educational exchanges that have been achieved after the establishment of diplomatic relations.

From the Swedish side Johan Molander, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Royal Court, former Swedish Ambassador to Armenia, addressed the audience. In his speech, he particularly touched upon the rich historical and cultural heritage of Armenia, the relations between Armenia and Sweden expressing confidence that the signing and implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement will also highly contribute to the development of those relations.

Around three dozens of ambassadors, numerous parliamentarians, diplomats, political, public and cultural figures, representatives of media and Armenian community of Sweden attended the solemn ceremony and ballet performance.

At the foyer of the theatre the guests had an opportunity to get acquainted with the Armenian photographer Davit Hakobyan’s photos from the album of “The Road Stories”.

On June 21, the exhibition of the entire album “The Road Stories” of Armenian photographer Davit Hakobyan and a meeting with him were held at the Embassy of Armenia in Stockholm. In his opening remarks Ambassador Apitonian presented the photographer, his individualized approaches even in situations with a strict protocol. Afterwаrds, Davit Hakobyan presented the stories of some photos, answered to the questions of the guests.