17 June 2015 - Welcoming guests, Philippine Ambassador to the Nordic Region Bayani S. Mercado recalled the mutual fondness of the Filipino and Finnish people for each other, beginning a few years before formal ties were established, with the celebrated marriage in 1953 between then-Miss Finland and the first-ever Miss Universe Armi Kuusela and Filipino businessman Virgilio Hilario.
Ambassador Mercado also noted strong economic links between the two countries, with the strong presence of telecommunications giant Nokia in the Philippines, which had provided employment for many Filipinos. At present, interest by the Finnish business community is at an all- time high, with their continued exploration of commercial and investment opportunities in the country. Mercado also lauded the role of the Philippine Honorary Consulate General, led by Consul General Jukka Nyröla and Honorary Consul Teresita Ruutu, in facilitating business and assisting the 3,000 Filipinos living all over Finland.
Finnish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Peter Stenlund extended his congratulations for the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and offered a toast to deepening bilateral relations between the two sides. He then graciously accepted a book on the “Bajo de Masinloc” presented to him by Ambassador Mercado.
Highlighting the event was the arrival of newly-appointed Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini, who assumed office a week prior to the event. Soini recognized the positive contributions by the Filipinos in Finnish society and expressed his wish to further strengthen the ties between Finland and the Philippines.
The reception was preceded by a business seminar on Finnish SME investments in the Philippines held at the Finnvera auditorium, as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Philippines and Finland. END