Islamabad (TDI): Hannu Ripatti, the Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, received the Global Ambassador Award for his extraordinary services and remarkable efforts in deepening the friendly and strategic relations between Finland and Pakistan.
Ambassador Ripatti has greatly contributed to strengthening Finland–Pakistan relations, most notably through the reopening of the Embassy of Finland in Islamabad in 2022 after ten years.
With a diplomatic career spanning nearly four decades, he has served in key roles around the world, including Kabul, Bogotá, and the Middle East Unit in Helsinki, and postings in Madrid, Beijing, Lagos, Copenhagen, and Mexico City.
Ambassador Ripatti has played a significant role in advancing the educational cooperation between Finland and Pakistan.
A key example of this partnership is the vocational training collaboration between the city of Turku and Pakistani Universities of NUTECH and NUMS.
The program provides the opportunity to Pakistani students to gain practical experience through a traineeship in Finland.
In trade and business, Ambassador Ripatti has played a key role in supporting Finnish companies exploring Pakistani markets, facilitating dialogue, building trust, and helping resolve business challenges.
He has also extended Finland’s support to Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises through the “Finnpartnership” program, helping them connect with Finnish partners and companies, and create mutual opportunities.
He has further encouraged cultural and European engagement in Pakistan and strengthened public outreach through media and academic forums.
His contribution has revitalized Finland’s presence in Pakistan and expanded meaningful cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Ripatti joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in 1987, and worked in the Unit for Middle East from 2019–2022.
He was Finland’s Ambassador to Kabul from 2017–2019. He also served in Madrid, Beijing, Lagos, Copenhagen and Mexico City.
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