The Swedish ambassador to China Borje Ljunggren on Thursday conferred a Swedish royal order on renowned Chinese metallurgist Xu Kuangdi on behalf of Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, to mark his contribution to the development of the Sweden-China ties.

Xu, also president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was awarded the "Royal Order of the Polar Star Commander Grand Cross".

Xu is specialized in the production of special steel, electro-metallurgy and jet-metallurgy. In 1980s, he worked in Sweden and served as chief engineer and technical manager of a Swedish corporation.

He has greatly contributed to expanding exchange channels for the two countries, and cementing bilateral scientific and economic cooperation.

The "Royal Order of the Polar Star" was established in 1700. It is conferred on foreign nationals in recognition of their significant contribution to furthering Sweden's relations with other countries.

Source: Xinhua