In the 17th century, Russia and Sweden enjoyed vibrant economic ties that go back to ancient times. Both countries traded directly with each other. Russian merchants, showing business activity, made trips to Stockholm, which was the main center of trade between the two countries. Russia exported various handicrafts and agricultural products to Sweden and bought mainly metals there. In addition, it carried out transit trade with the countries of Western Europe through the Swedish possessions in the Baltic States .1 The development of economic ties between the two countries contributed to the growth of interest in Russia and its culture in the Scandinavian countries at the end of the 17th century .2However, peaceful relations between the two countries were repeatedly interrupted by long bloody wars; the ruling circles of feudal Sweden constantly interfered with Russian trade, seeking to block Russia, close its access to the Baltic Sea and put its foreign trade under their control. The Northern War disrupted trade relations between Russia and Sweden. But as soon as the hostilities ended, the Russian government, in accordance with the terms of the Nystad Peace Treaty, took measures aimed at restoring and expanding economic ties with Sweden and developing Baltic trade. At this time, Russia was not only exporting its handicraft and agricultural products to Sweden, but also began exporting its iron to the world market via the Baltic Sea3 .
The strengthening of Russia's economic and military power, its victories in the Northern War, and its increased role in international affairs contributed to a growing interest in the Russian state in Europe. Captured Swedish officers played a significant role in the process of cultural rapprochement between Russia and the Scandinavian countries. Stralenberg, L. Ehrenmalm, L. Lange, and others), who participated in scientific expeditions sent by the government of Peter the Great to describe and study various areas
1 See E. D. Rukhmanov. ...
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