Helsinki, 28 May 2022 (TDI): The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, in line with the Government Programme, will resume the expansion of its network of diplomatic missions.
Along this lines, the Finnish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, will be reopened in the autumn. Previously, the Embassy was closed in 2012 because of the reduction of the network of missions.
In addition, it will also open a new Consulate General in Mumbai, India. Finland intends to boost its economic, commercial and political influence as well as collaboration in the region.
The Embassy in Islamabad will provide extensive consular and entry permit services to promote student exchange, enhance tourism, and contribute to the availability of labour to the country as Pakistan is an emerging and growing market area with 220 million inhabitants.
In this context, the Foreign Minister of Finland, Pekka Haavisto stated that “Pakistan is an important regional actor and Finland must have close relations with it. From the perspective of the rules-based world order, Pakistan is an important partner.”
Likewsie, the Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnari expressed that “Finland is a country that depends on exports, and it is vital for us to be present in emerging and promising markets.”
He went on to say that “Pakistan is the world’s fifth most densely populated country, and it is clear that its significance in the global economy will increase.”
About India, the Finnish Foreign Minister stated that “By opening a Consulate General in Mumbai, Finland complements its representation in South Asia. We must be present in places where there is demand for Finnish special expertise. Mumbai is one of such places.”
While the Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Finland said that “Our trade relations with India have become more diversified – in addition to export and investments, we want to get Indian experts to Finland and share Finnish knowledge, expertise and educational innovations. The new Consulate-General plays an important role in achieving these objectives.”
