DFA set to reopen embassy in Finland

THE Department of Foreign Affairs is eyeing to reopen the country’s embassy in Helsinki, Finland next year.

DFA Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro disclosed the plan last Wednesday night during the 106th Independence Day celebration of Finland in Taguig City.

“I am pleased to announce to all of you here that we are now in the final preparations for the reopening of the Philippine Embassy in Helsinki next year,” Lazaro said.

She said the reopening of the embassy, which was closed in 2012, is meant to further strengthen ties between Manila and Helsinki.

“This move will pave the way for more efficient cooperation and engagement between our two countries,” Lazaro added.

Finland reopened its embassy in Manila in 2020 and also opened honorary consulates in Davao and Cebu.

The DFA decided to close the embassy in Helsinki as part of moves to maximize its resources in areas where there are more Filipinos living and working.

There are around 6,000 Filipinos in Finland, including those married to Finnish citizens.