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Ambassador Marianne Nissila highlighted digitalization, circular economy, smart energy, health and education as key areas of cooperation between the two countries
Bilateral relations between the UAE and Finland continue to flourish in various fields, a senior envoy said during the celebration of Finland’s 105th Independence Day in Abu Dhabi.
“The relationship is very good. We may be far apart geographically, but there is enough interest in having a good bilateral relationship,” Marianne Nissila, Finland’s ambassador to the UAE, said in an interview. “
The UAE has maintained diplomatic relations with Finland since 1975. Non-oil bilateral trade increased by 9.5% between 2020 and 2021, and is now at $274.7 million.
Nisira emphasized that digitalization, circular economy, smart energy, health and education are the key areas of cooperation between the two countries, and addressing the challenge of climate change is a common commitment of the two countries.
“We have very ambitious climate goals. For example, our net zero goal is 2035. To achieve this, we really need a huge contribution from the private sector. So we try to build cooperation there. We are also the first A country with a national strategy for the circular economy. So I think we can share here some lessons from our journey that started in 2016.”
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Nissila noted that bilateral engagement peaked during Expo 2020 Dubai, which helped strengthen trade and forge new partnerships.
“We are trying to deepen the cooperation and make it more concrete,” she added.
Highlighting the UAE’s appointment of Amna Mahmoud Fikri as non-resident ambassador to Finland in September, Nissila said: “Now I have a partner and colleague and together we can move things forward.”
She noted that 2023 is expected to be even busier with official and business visits. “I think 2023 will be a busy year for visits in general. I’m looking forward to hosting visits from Finland to the UAE, but we’re also expecting some visits in the opposite direction.”
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Asked how some 1,150 Finnish residents from one of the world’s happiest countries felt about the UAE, the ambassador said: “They are honored to have the opportunity to be here and contribute to building this country. I believe They will find this place very safe. I am sure they appreciate the diversity and tolerance of this country. I am sure they do miss Finland too.”
She emphasized that the Independence Day event is also a time to show gratitude and respect to the Ukrainian people affected by the Russian invasion.
As part of the festivities, a concert by Finnish musicians Kirsi Ruotsala and Jyri Nissila captivated attendees, telling the story of 200 years of Finnish music.
“Music can unite people from different countries and cultures,” said the musicians. They added that they landed in the UAE on December 2, when the country was decked out in sparkling lights for UAE National Day.
“It was a wonderful experience, a city of lights. I felt a stunning effect,” Ruotsala said after seeing the city of Abu Dhabi.
Jyri Nissila added: “I am very impressed with the architecture. The variety, beauty and splendor. The city is very clean, safe to walk around and the Arabic food is great.”
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