HH The Amir Concludes his European Tour with his First Official Visit to Finland

HH The Amir Concludes his European Tour with his First Official Visit to Finland

HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani began a European tour on Monday, visiting Sweden, Norway, and Finland. On Wednesday, he arrived in Finland for his first official visit to the country, concluding the tour. 

In Helsinki, Sheikh Tamim met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss 50 years of diplomatic relations and explore ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as investment, economy, energy, education, and international partnerships. They also addressed key international issues, particularly the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian territories.

According to the Amiri Diwan, the discussions focused on enhancing ties between the two nations. Finland’s ambassador to Qatar, Pekka Voutilainen, described the Amir's visit as "meaningful," expressing hopes for new opportunities and stronger political, economic, and trade partnerships. He emphasized the potential for collaboration in sectors such as information technology, education, health, energy, and tourism.

Trade between Qatar and Finland increased by 9.58% from 2022 to 2023, reaching QAR 446 million ($122.2 million). The trade balance currently favors Qatar, but Finland hopes to expand its presence in the Gulf state and attract more Qatari investments.

Voutilainen highlighted the importance of the Amir’s visit in deepening economic ties, with several agreements and memorandums of understanding expected to be signed. He noted that this visit would elevate bilateral relations to new levels and leave a lasting impact on both countries.

Key milestones in their relationship include the start of Qatar Airways flights to Helsinki in 2016 and a codeshare agreement with Finnair. Additionally, the two countries have engaged in political consultations, with the second round held in May.

During his European tour, Sheikh Tamim also visited Sweden, where he met Swedish King Carl XVI Gustav, Queen Silvia, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and Foreign Minister Tobias Billström. The visit resulted in the signing of memoranda of understanding and a letter of intent for military cooperation. Discussions in all three countries centered on bilateral relations and key regional issues, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.