Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Gender and Development of Liberia visiting Finland

Press release 339/2008
16 September, 2008

Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs Olubanke King-Akerele and Minister of Gender and Development Vabah Gayflor are visiting Finland between 16 and 21 September. The purpose of the visit is to make plans for the women’s leadership conference to be organised next year and to build up closer ties between Finland and Liberia.

The International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security to be held in Liberia on 7-8 March 2009 will be co-chaired by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The conference aims to enhance the status of women as leaders and to bring forth the role of women in the fight against climate change. Approximately 400 guests are expected to attend to conference.

During their visit, the ministers will meet President Tarja Halonen, Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Minister of Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen, high-level officials from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and representatives of trade and industry.

The itinerary also includes participation in the launch of the Women, Peace and Security Programme and a seminar organised at Parliament, handling the post-conflict situation in Liberia. Furthermore, the Ministers will get acquainted with the headquarters of Nokia in Keilaniemi, Espoo.

Further information: Advisor Päivi Kannisto, tel. +358 9 1605 6453, and Inspector Laura Ekholm, tel. +358 9 1605 6508