In line with the Government Programme, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will continue to expand and strengthen its network of missions. The Finnish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, which was closed in 2012 due to the reduction of the network of missions, will be reopened in the autumn.
Pakistan is an emerging and growing market area with 220 million inhabitants. By establishing a permanent presence in Pakistan, Finland wants to increase its commercial, economic and political influence and cooperation in the region. The Embassy in Islamabad will gradually start to provide also comprehensive consular and entry permit services, which will promote student exchange, contribute to the availability of labour to Finland and enhance tourism, for example.
“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,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto.
“Finland is a country that depends on exports, and it is vital for us to be present in emerging and promising markets. Pakistan is the world’s fifth most densely populated country, and it is clear that its significance in the global economy will increase,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.
Please read the whole press release of Finland’s Foreign Ministry here.