Qatar and Finland Strengthen Partnership with Focus on Trade and Education

Helsinki, The Gulf Observer: His Highness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with His Excellency Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, Kesaranta, in Helsinki yesterday. The meeting marked a significant step in furthering cooperation between the two nations, with discussions focused on enhancing ties in investment, energy, education, and international collaboration.

The talks also covered key regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a particular focus on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories. Both leaders underscored the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation on these pressing matters. The meeting was attended by several ministers from Qatar’s official delegation and senior Finnish officials.

Additionally, H H the Amir met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, H E Jussi Halla-aho, at the Parliament’s headquarters in Helsinki. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation in various fields. Members of the Amir’s delegation and Finnish parliamentarians were present at the meeting.

On the sidelines of the Amir’s visit, Qatar and Finland signed several significant agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation across a range of sectors. These included three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and a letter of intent between the Qatar Chamber and the Helsinki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The first MoU, focused on peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution, was signed by H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and H E Outi Holopainen, Deputy Minister and Assistant Undersecretary at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The second MoU established the Joint Ministerial Committee for Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation, signed by H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, and H E Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Development.

The third MoU, concerning cooperation in vocational and technical education and training, was signed by Iman Salman Al Mohannadi, Director of the Educational Training and Development Center at Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), and Mervi Jansson, Chairperson of Finland’s Quality Assurance Committee for Vocational Education and Training.

Furthermore, a letter of intent was signed between H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Chamber, and H E Mats Mandrebacka, Chairperson and CEO of the Helsinki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

H H the Amir concluded his official visit to Finland and departed Helsinki yesterday, bringing to a close a successful tour of Northern Europe that also included stops in Sweden and Norway. He was accompanied throughout the tour by an official delegation.