Introducing the Finnish Embassy's new staff

René Söderman, Jukka Pajarinen ja Emmi Kulta joined the Embassy of Finland in London during the past summer.

René Söderman joined the Embassy of Finland in London as Press Counsellor in mid-July. René oversees the communications activities of the Embassy, including media relations, country branding and cultural activities, aided by the Embassy Press Team. Prior to moving to London René was Senior Arctic Official representing Finland at the Arctic Council during the Finnish Chairmanship 2017-2019. He has previously been posted in México, Los Angeles and Oslo. At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs he has worked with various responsibilities in communications, multilateral development and European affairs.

“I came to London with great pleasure. I have good memories from there, even though it’s been a while since I went to school there”, tells René.

Jukka Pajarinen joined Embassy of Finland in London in the beginning of August. In his work, Jukka mainly focuses on following UK’s foreign- and security policies. Jukka perceives the work very interesting. “After all, United Kingdom is one of the significant international players in shaping global developments”, says Jukka.

Before London, Jukka was Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia where he followed the activities of countries in the horn of Africa. He also followed African Union’s activity and development, and the whole continent’s progression. In addition to Addis Abeba, Jukka has worked in Kiev and Tokyo. In Helsinki, Jukka has carried out weapons control tasks from the perspective of small weapons and conventional weapons.       

“We, with my wife and daughter, enjoy the many opportunities London and the whole country has to offer, both new and old. It is hard to imagine to ever be bored at work or in free time in London!” says Jukka.

Emmi Kulta joined the Finnish Embassy in London in the beginning of August. In her work Emmi follows UK’s foreign policy questions, especially ones related to Middle East. “This is my first international posting and I think myself as lucky to be able to come to UK. For example Britain is one of the key players in the Middle East”, tells Emmi.

Before working at Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Emmi has worked for United Nations in Central Africa Republic and European Parliament in Brussels, as well as a journalist in Finland. London is familiar to Emmi from her student years.