The Main Tasks of the Embassy
The Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi is the official representative of the Finnish Government in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The Ambassador also acts as the representative of Finland at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) based in Abu Dhabi.
The Embassy’s main tasks are, among others:
- Promoting bilateral relations with the two countries
- Reporting about topical themes in the two countries and the wider region
- Economic and trade policy incl. promotion of exports and investments
- Foreign and security policy
- Public diplomacy and country branding work, communications
- Consular and citizens’ services.
In principle, all of the missions have the same basic tasks, which are determined by the Act and Decree governing the Foreign Service, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as well as traditions and established practices.
The emphasis between tasks varies in accordance with the needs of the missions’ country of location – in some countries the focus is on influencing foreign and security policy and reporting on this to Helsinki, while in other countries the emphasis is on the implementation of development policy, export promotion or, for example, building Finland’s country brand through public diplomacy.
In some countries, where many Finns live or travel, providing services for them has become one of the main tasks.
Many missions handle Finland’s relations not only with their host country but also with countries in the neighboring area where Finland is not otherwise represented. These countries with side accreditation are a normal part of the network of diplomatic missions and make it possible to maintain relations also with countries where a mission has not been established.
For further information: Ministry for Foreign Affairs website(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)