The Embassy of Finland in Saudi Arabia commemorated Finland’s Independence Day, marking 107 years of resilience, growth, and progress. This celebration serves as a time for reflection and gratitude, honoring the past and the sacrifices that have shaped Finland’s history. It also looks forward to a future filled with opportunities for partnership, innovation, shared prosperity, and happiness.
On this occasion, Ambassador Anu-Eerika Viljanen delivered a heartfelt speech, recognizing Finland and Saudi Arabia as strong friends and partners with a shared mission of global peace and security. She stated, “Our ties are built on mutual respect and the commitment to working together for the benefit of both our peoples. One of the most exciting frameworks for our collaboration is Saudi Vision 2030. It is a vision that aligns closely with Finland’s areas of expertise. In this, people-to-people collaboration is becoming a strong pillar of our partnership.”
The evening was particularly memorable due to the presence of Tarja Halonen, the 11th President of Finland and the first and only woman to hold the position from 2000 to 2012. Her Excellency madam Halonen generously shared her insights on Saudi-Finnish diplomacy, noting that despite differences such as population size, geographical location, and climate, the two nations possess several commonalities that promote collaboration. She stated, “Although Saudi Arabia’s economy predominantly relies on fossil fuels, the country is exploring new fields like IT. In Finland, we prioritize energy and are dedicated to discovering innovative energy solutions, with a strong focus on IT as well. These shared interests create opportunities for collaboration. Education is another sector worth exploring. In Finland, we take pride in our inclusive education system that ensures equal opportunities for all, fostering unity, innovation, and sustainability amidst global challenges. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia heavily invests in educating both current and future generations. By collaborating, educational experts from both countries can develop intriguing models for implementation in schools and universities.”
In her remarks about the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030, Her Excellency Halonen observed, “Saudi Arabia has transformed tremendously, and the changes are incredible. This transformation allows Finland to participate more actively, thereby elevating diplomacy. Seeing Saudi women and men working together brings diverse ideas to the forefront, further contributing to the country’s transformation.”
The evening’s warm atmosphere enabled Saudi officials, ambassadors, and the public to celebrate not only Finland’s independence but also the friendship between Finland and Saudi Arabia. This created a unique momentum for a future where bilateral cooperation deepens, opportunities expand, and partnerships continue to flourish.
