MANILA, Philippines -- Finland underscored the deepening economic partnership between Manila and Helsinki, including regional initiatives such as the European Union’s Global Gateway and Digital Economy Package, which aims to make the Philippines a "digital connectivity hub" in Southeast Asia.
Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs highlighted the improved economic cooperation between the two countries during the inauguration of the Philippine embassy in Helsinki.
Salovaara also emphasized the need for like-minded states to uphold the rules-based international order, the embassy added.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Tuesday led the inauguration of the Philippine Embassy in the historic Wuorio building at Unioninkatu 30.
The Philippine embassy in Finland reopened in October 2024. In 2025, the Philippines and Finland celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
The event commemorated the re-establishment of the Philippine embassy in Finland and symbolized the renewed partnership between the two countries, the embassy said.
Lazaro cited the connections between the Philippines and Finland through personal and everyday interactions as well as the strengthening of cooperation in various areas including smart and digital solutions.
She thanked Finland for its support for the proposed Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Lazaro underscored the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), with the Philippines as its chairman in 2026, in promoting regional stability, economic integration, and multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
She also recognized the flourishing Asean-EU partnership and looked forward to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Asean-EU relations in 2027.
