Pakistan, Finland reaffirm commitment to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Finland on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, enhancing cooperation in education, climate resilience, renewable energy, mining, and trade, and promoting a more balanced representation of Pakistan in Europe during a meeting of the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group with a visiting Finnish parliamentary delegation.

The meeting of the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), chaired by Sharmila Faruqui, MNA, was held with the Finnish parliamentary delegation led by Atte Kaleva, MP, and accompanied by Timo Harakka, MP.

Welcoming the delegation, the Convener underscored Pakistan’s longstanding and friendly relations with Finland and highlighted the positive contributions of over 9,000 Pakistanis living in Finland. Referring to the recent closure of Finland’s Embassy in Islamabad, she expressed hope that the decision would be reconsidered in the future, while keeping in view the strong bilateral ties.

Members of the PFG emphasised opportunities for expanding cooperation in education, climate adaptation, circular economy, mining, and trade, and reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary engagement in building trust, countering misperceptions, and strengthening bilateral understanding.

Atte Kaleva appreciated the warm reception and reaffirmed Finland’s interest in constructive engagement with Pakistan. He acknowledged the valuable role of the Pakistani Diaspora in Finland and highlighted Finland’s desire to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, while also recognizing Pakistan’s growing role in climate diplomacy and international peace efforts.

Timo Harakka briefed the Group on the evolving European security environment and its implications for Finland’s defence policy. He highlighted Finland’s expertise in renewable and clean energy, rare earth minerals and sustainable extraction technologies. Both Finnish parliamentarians emphasised their commitment to promoting a fact-based and balanced narrative of Pakistan within European forums and expressed openness to greater collaboration in education, research, academic mobility, and environmental initiatives.

Members of the Pakistan–Finland PFG shared views on enhancing bilateral cooperation, stressing the need for fair media representation, stronger trade and investment ties, and deeper collaboration in education, tourism, and infrastructure. They highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reiterated its principled stance on longstanding regional issues, including Kashmir. Appreciation was also expressed for Finland’s engagement with the Pakistani Diaspora and its interest in sectors such as mining, nursing, and technical education.

The Group noted Finland’s achievements in renewable energy, environmental standards, and circular economy practices, identifying these as promising areas for future collaboration. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional linkages and advancing long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Finland.

The meeting was attended by members of the Pakistan-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group, including Rana Qasim Noon, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig, Danyal Chaudhary, Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Noor Alam Khan, Romina Khurshid Alam, Asia Naz Tanoli, and Farah Naz.

The Honorary Consul of Finland in Pakistan, Asad Ansari, and Chairman of the Pakistan–Finland Business Council, Shahzad Sabir were also present.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025