ISLAMABAD:Ambassador of Finland, Mr. Hannu Ripatti is optimistic about expansion of bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in trade and investment. He has said that Finland and Pakistan enjoyed cordial relations which could further expand in diverse sectors.
He expressed his views in his address to the guests at 107th National Day of his country at Serena Hotels Islamabad. Mr. and Mrs Hannu Ripatti hosted a reception to mark the auspicious day of his nation. Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Dr Riina Kionka was chief guest while European and other Ambassadors were also present.
It was like the same reception as was hosted last year. No representative from Gov of Pakistan was present there. Last year the caretaker minister education Mr. Sindhi was invited but he did not show up for his other governmental engagements. His absence was noted by the guests. Later , this scribe checked with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and found that Mr. Sindhi had confirmed his participation.
Ambassador Finland H.E Hannu Ripatti Determined to Boost Bilateral Cooperation with Pakistan
May be this is the reason, no minister was invited to the reception. It is a matter that the ministry of Foreign Affairs is supposed to see and resolve as early possible, especially when the attention of the concerned was drawn a year ago.
Finland closed the embassy in Pakistan as austerity measure and reopened in Sep 2022 after 10 years. Now the embassy is working in Islamabad for more than 2 years, the Ambassador has made remarkable efforts to fill the gaps and build bridges between the two countries to forge a strong partnership, in his meetings with ministers.
Pakistan is expecting a trade delegation from Finland soon as shared by an official who was spotted by a media person. ” There is a possibility of a government-level delegation from Finland visiting Pakistan which could mark a milestone for both countries with expectations to solidify agreements and increase investment opportunities, the official said to the query by the journalist.
Pakistan is also supposed to open a full fledged embassy in Finland. At present Pakistani Ambassador in Sweden is looking after the affairs with Finland. Finland is concurrently accredited with Embassy of Pakistan in Sweden. Ambassador-designate Bilal Hayee undertook a familiarization trip to Helsinki, Finland from 22 – 25 August 2024.
Ambassador Bilal Hayee held multiple meetings with Pakistani diaspora in Helsinki to engage with Pakistani professionals and entrepreneurs to build stronger institutional ties in the fields of education, trade and investment and explore additional avenues of cooperation between the two countries.
This spirit at both sides should be encouraged to foster a meaningful cooperation that would be helpful in maintaining the direct diplomatic relations and collaboration.
