Official celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and Sweden were held at the weekend, when AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner attended two high profile events designed to highlight the importance and impact of the relationship.

The company has strong links to both countries and Büchner singled out the long-standing bond between Sweden and the Netherlands as being a key driving force behind the continued economic and cultural progress of both countries.

“There is a very special connection between Sweden and the Netherlands which we at AkzoNobel are only too happy to recognize,” he said. “There is a mutual spirit of enterprise and cooperation borne out of something rooted in the culture of both countries, and we have benefited greatly from this ever since Akzo merged with Nobel Industries exactly 20 years ago.”

He added that both Sweden and the Netherlands remain key countries for AkzoNobel, particularly in the areas of research, innovation and sustainability. The company also takes great pride in its strong cultural heritage in both countries, with the Swedish legacy dating back to 1646, while its Dutch history can be traced to 1792.

“We are proud to have strong connections to two countries with such remarkable histories,” continued Büchner. “The bond between Sweden and the Netherlands is as close as it has ever been and long may our mutual success continue.”

As part of last weekend’s celebration events, Büchner took part in a roundtable discussion involving ministers and selected CEOs from the two countries, as well as meeting the King and Queen of Sweden at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, when he explained AkzoNobel’s vital role in its recent renovation.

A special book to mark the anniversary was also launched during the weekend, which includes a chapter about AkzoNobel written by the company’s former Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, Olle Werner.