Helsinki, 26 November 2021 (TDI): South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes visited Finland for bilateral political consultations. Deputy Minister held meetings with high representatives of Finland and discussed issues of mutual concern.
Meetings with Finland’s Ministers
South Africa’s Deputy Minister met with the Finland Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. Both of the ministers discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern. Moreover, both pledged to increase cooperation between the two countries.
Today, Wednesday, 24 November 2021, Deputy Minister @alvinbotes has arrived in Finland on a Working Visit for bilateral consultations.
Earlier, the Deputy Minister met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Mr Pekka Haavisto in Helsinki, Finland. @Ulkoministerio pic.twitter.com/fZ3fGCESsl
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 24, 2021
Furthermore, Minister Alvin Botes talked with Finland’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Ville Skinnari. They discussed trade relations between Finland and South Africa.
Finland’s officials in South Africa tried to convince Companies in Finland to explore and invest in the South African market. The main focus is Information and Communication Technology, Digital Economy, Financial Technology, Skills Development, Education, Artificial Intelligence, Agriculture and Green Economy.
Along with it, Minister Alvin Botes met with the Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Lintila. In the meeting, both emphasized the enhancing of mutually beneficial, commercial, political & economic relations. Besides, they aimed to increase contact between officials of two countries.
Furthermore, Minister Alvin Botes met with higher officials of Wartsila Corporation. In the meeting, they explored various technological solutions and south Africa’s blue ocean economy. Wartsila Corporation works for life-cycle solutions and smart technology for energy and marine markets.
Besides, Deputy Minister Alvin Botes visited the Finland Chamber of Commerce in Helsinki, Finland. Commerce Chamber ensures open, prosperous, free and competitive Finland for all. It creates the best business environment for companies in Finland.
South Africa-Finland Bilateral Relations
South Africa and Finland started official bilateral relations in 1994. Both Countries signed the Declaration of Intent (DOI) in 2000. It facilitated the bilateral consultation between the two countries.
Besides, both countries enjoy good trade relations. South Africa exports to Finland include wine, food products, pulp, steel, iron, paper and coal. Similarly, South Africa imports from Finland are machinery, paper and board products, and telecommunication equipment.
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