Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson considers it "unfortunate" that al-Azhar University in Cairo is calling for a global boycott against products from Sweden and the Netherlands after last week's Koran actions.
- It is clear that this is not good for Sweden's relations with other parts of the world, and also many important Muslim countries, he says.
Risk for Swedish companies
Kristersson believes that "we must be able to have two thoughts in our heads at the same time".
- Stand up for Swedish freedom of speech and at the same time understand that people in other countries get upset and feel offended.
Kristersson warns that al-Azhar University's boycott call risks "being very bad" for Swedish companies that operate internationally.
Calling for calm
Kristersson says that there are reasons to be worried and again calls for calm.
He emphasizes that Sweden has a serious security policy situation and that a good dialogue with Turkey is important for rapid NATO membership.
- You have the right to think differently between countries and between people, but tone it down and come to our senses, he says.
Svantesson not worried
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) emphasizes that Swedish companies and brands have a good reputation and are popular around the world.
How the boycott will work remains to be seen, she believes.
- It is very difficult to know and predict.
It can of course have a negative impact, but Swedish companies are fundamentally strong and I hope that it will remain so and that it will be mitigated.