Finland and Indonesia meet for political consultations and mark 65 years of diplomatic relations

The political consultations provide a platform for discussing a wide range of bilateral, regional and global questions and advancing the already good relationship between Finland and Indonesia.

Finland and Indonesia will conduct their sixth bilateral political consultations on 24 September 2019 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The discussions take place against the backdrop of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Indonesia. Finland recognized the Independence of Indonesia already in February 1950. The diplomatic relations were established in September 1954.

“According to our archives, we can thank forest industries and our ambassador to India for initiating the bilateral dialogue,” says Jari Sinkari, ambassador of Finland to Indonesia.

Mr. Hugo Valvanne was the Finnish ambassador to India in the early 1950s. He understood clearly the rising political and economic importance of Southeast Asia in general and Indonesia in particular. His initiative resonated in the headquarters, led to cooperative action on both sides and resulted in establishing the diplomatic ties 65 years ago.

The consultations on 24 September will be led from the Finnish side by H.E. Ms. Piritta Asunmaa, Director General for the Americas and Asia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The head of the Indonesian delegation is H.E. Dr. Teuku Faizasyah, Acting Director General for the American and European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

The agenda of the political consultations cover issues from the bilateral relations to regional and global issues. Cooperation in the political, trade, energy, forestry and environment sectors will be discussed. During the political consultations, also issues such as bilateral working group in the education sector and mutual visa freedom for diplomatic and service passport holders will be advanced.

Finland and Indonesia enjoy good bilateral relations at all levels. Tourism is on the increase and the economies of the countries are complementary with economic potential for both countries. Finland and Indonesia also share importance of the rules-based world order, multilateralism and democracy. The strong foundation of the relationship provides an excellent basis for continuing to deepen the good bilateral cooperation.