Finland opens new embassy headquarters in Abu Dhabi, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo inaugurated the new Finnish embassy headquarters in Abu Dhabi today, marking the increasingly close bilateral relations between the UAE and Finland. The opening of the new embassy is a significant step in strengthening cooperation and ties between the two countries, reflecting the deep friendship between them.

In his opening remarks, Orpo emphasized the importance of the friendly relations between the two countries and expressed his hope for the continued development and progress of their relationship in the future. He also specifically pointed out that the UAE is an important strategic partner for Finland, stressing that strengthening this partnership is beneficial for both nations. Furthermore, he stated that the completion of the new embassy will further promote cooperation and exchange between the two countries.

Guests attending the inauguration ceremony included Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Finnish Ambassador to the UAE Tuula Johanna Yrjölä, UAE Ambassador to Finland Amna Mahmoud Fikri, Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Omar Rashid Al Neyadi, as well as embassy staff and numerous members of the diplomatic corps in the UAE. The Finnish Ambassador to the UAE emphasized that as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations are deepening, and the opening of the new embassy headquarters is an important step in strengthening cooperation and ties.

In recent years, trade volume between Finland and the UAE has grown significantly, making the UAE Finland's largest export destination in the Gulf and Middle East region. In 2023, the total trade volume between the two countries reached 948 million euros. Of this, Finland's total exports to the UAE amounted to 565 million euros, an increase from 464 million euros in 2022; while the UAE's total imports from Finland amounted to 383 million euros, a significant increase from 228 million euros in 2022. Finland mainly exports ships, floating structures, and mechanical equipment to the UAE, while the UAE mainly exports plastics and plastic products, aluminum and aluminum products, organic compounds, and mechanical equipment to Finland.

During his visit to the UAE from January 13 to 15, Prime Minister Orpo also met with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. At the meeting held at Za'abeel Palace in Dubai, the two sides explored new avenues for cooperation in several key areas to promote common development goals. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the UAE hopes to strengthen cooperation with Finland in education, healthcare, the circular economy, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, aerospace, and telecommunications, and stressed the importance of providing incentives and support for the private sectors of both countries to explore new opportunities and expand the scope of cooperation.