New Finnish Ambassador to Seychelles accredited |06 April 2022

Ambassador Tapiola presents his credentials to President Ramkalawan (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

The new Finnish Ambassador to Seychelles, Pirkka Tapiola, yesterday presented his credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House, becoming the tenth diplomat to occupy the post since the two countries set up diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level on April 1, 1987.

Ambassador Tapiola, who will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, replaces Erik Lundberg who had been occupying the post since 2019.

It was on March 27, 1987, through a joint communiqué addressed to the secretary general of the United Nations, Javier Perez de Cuellar, on the setting up of diplomatic relations between the government of Finland – through Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations Keijo Korhonen – and the government Seychelles – through Chargé d’Affaires and Permanent Mission of Seychelles at the United Nations Marc Marengo – was requested and later approved with the aim and desire to promote a spirit of mutual understanding and to strengthen the then existing bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador Tapiola said he is looking forward to boosting the existing relationship and cooperation between the two countries and bringing it closer regarding many issues, including sustainability, human rights, democracy among others.

He added that he is looking forward to also extending the non-complicated and very like-minded relationship further, looking for opportunities, both in the economy and political operations, as well as building a greener and better future.

He also commended Seychelles for being a like-minded country with Europe and standing for principles regarding the global effect of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, even if it is not always easy in many ways.

While at State House yesterday, Ambassador Tapiola also paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Ahmed Afif, while during his brief stay in the country he will call on other leaders, including Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment Flavien Joubert, Minister for Education Dr Justin Valentin, as well as the French ambassador to Seychelles Dominique Mas.

Roland Duval