Finland–Namibia relations

Finland-Namibia relations
Map indicating locations of Finland and Namibia

Finland
Namibia

Finland–Namibia relations refers to the bilateral relationship of Finland and Namibia. Finland recognised Namibia on March 21, 1990. Both countries established diplomatic relations on the same day. Namibia has an embassy in Helsinki[1] while Finland has an embassy in Windhoek and an honorary consulate in Walvis Bay.

Diplomatic relations

Embassy of Finland in Windhoek

Finland has stated it has been a staunch supporter of Namibian independence before Namibia achieved this.[2]

Finnish assistance

The Finnish Government has provided assistance in the sectors of forestry, water, environment and health.[3]

Trade

In general, trade between Namibia and Finland has been small. Namibia's exports to Finland increased from N$810 million in 2004 to over N$1 billion (approximately 90 million EUR) in 2007.[4] However, a 2011 report showed that trade was even more limited. Finland's exports to Namibia valued €2,4 million, mainly consisting of paper and paper-products. Namibia's exports to Finland only valued €0,9 million, mainly consisting of meat and meat preparations.[5] The Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Alexander Stubb, together with a trade delegation paid a visit to South Africa and Namibia in November 2012. The aim was to promote business opportunities for Finnish companies.[6]

State visits

In June 2008, Prime Minister of Namibia Nahas Angula visited Finland. [7]

In February 2011, President of Finland Tarja Halonen visited Namibia. [8]

In October 2023, President of Namibia Hage Geingob visited Finland as a guest of State funeral of Martti Ahtisaari.

In February 2024, President of Finland Sauli Niinistö visited Namibia as a guest of State funeral of Hage Geingob.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Home". www.namembassy.fi. 2018-06-03. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
  2. ^ "A new phase beginning in cooperation between Finland and Namibia". Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2008-06-17. Archived from the original on 2012-03-10. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  3. ^ "The Chargée d'Affaires a.i. of Finland Mrs Seija Kinni-Huttunen ends her Tour of Duty 31 July 2008". Embassy of Finland, Windhoek. 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  4. ^ "Exports to Finland exceed N$1 billion mark". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2009.
  5. ^ "Namibia report" (PDF). Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  6. ^ "Minister Stubb to take Team Finland export promotion trip to South Africa and Namibia". Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2012-10-31. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  7. ^ "Prime Minister of Namibia to visit Finland". Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2008-10-06. Archived from the original on 2012-03-10. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  8. ^ "President Halonen to visit Namibia and South Africa". Suomen Tietotoimisto. 2011-02-11. Archived from the original on 2016-01-25. Retrieved 2013-05-22.