Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: The History of Finland-Nepal Relations (Part 3/3)

Finland established its permanent Embassy in Kathmandu in 1992 to enhance development cooperation and bilateral relations. Over the years, the Embassy’s role has expanded, managing numerous projects with increasing volume in consular services. The appointment of the first Resident Ambassador in 2011 marked a significant step in deepening the partnership and underscored its importance. Decades of collaboration have yielded remarkable achievements, laying a strong foundation for further expansion and diversification of relations in the years to come.

Establishment of the Finnish Embassy in Kathmandu, 1992

The management of Finland’s development cooperation in Nepal became more demanding with the increasing volume. Finland’s representation in Nepal was scattered: political, commercial, and consular responsibilities were handled from New Delhi, while the development cooperation officer was based in Bangkok and the Honorary Consul in Kathmandu. Understandably, this made the coordination and communication challenging for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki. Following in June 1991, Ambassador Aimonen in New Delhi emphasized the need for Finland to open a permanent Embassy in Nepal. He pointed out that the Honorary Consul was the sole representation of Finland to Nepal at this point.

The initiative was enforced by the first ministerial-level visit from Finland to Nepal in January 1992, when Finland’s Foreign Minister Pertti Paasio visited Kathmandu. During the visit, Minister Paasio met King Birendra and attended a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Bhattarai, which was attended by nearly the entire government. Ambassador Aimonen attending from New Delhi reported that the program was thoughtfully arranged, reflecting the positive relations between the countries. Minister Paasio expressed to his hosts the appropriateness of soon appointing a permanent representative from Finland to Kathmandu. Ambassador Aimonen further highlighted that the Finnish community of approximately 100 people, formed through development cooperation activities, underscored the need for a permanent diplomatic presence in Nepal.

In late March 1992, Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported that Finland was establishing an embassy in Kathmandu, with Development Counselor Kalevi Ahti appointed as Acting Chargé d'Affaires starting in June. The newspaper pondered whether establishing the new mission was appropriate, especially amid government searches for new areas of savings due to poor economic conditions. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs defended the embassy's establishment, citing Finland and Nepal's close and expanding development cooperation, arguing that managing operations remotely from Bangkok was costly and operationally inefficient compared to having a local presence.

The Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu officially began operations on June 1, 1992, as noted in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ personnel magazine. Initially, Acting Chargé d'Affaires Kalevi Ahti and Department Secretary Marja-Leena Kultanen worked out of a modest, ten-square-meter office previously occupied by a Finnish forestry expert. By the end of summer, the embassy relocated to a new building in the Lazimpat district, where an official opening ceremony was held on October 2, 1992. The event was inaugurated by Ambassador Marjatta Rasi, who had succeeded Aimonen in New Delhi in 1991, and Nepalese Prime Minister G.P. Koirala, who formally welcomed the Finnish Embassy in front of 150 guests.

Increasing Operations and Relocation 

In the early 2000s, the Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu was headed by a Chargé d’Affaires, supported by an Administrative Officer as the second diplomat. The office staff typically included two temporary specialists and occasionally interns. While the embassy regularly reported on Nepal’s situation, managing development cooperation projects occupied the majority of the Chargé d’Affaires' time. During this period, Finland was involved as a donor in approximately ten development projects in Nepal.

The embassy also faced an increasing workload related to consular services, including passports and, notably, visa processing. To address this, two locally hired Finnish visa officers were brought on staff. Despite the growing demands, the embassy continued to operate from the same rented house in the Lazimpat district that had served as its office since 1992. However, the expanding team and the need for improved security and visa-processing facilities necessitated a move to a larger facility.

In 2006, the embassy relocated to new premises in the Bishalnagar district. The building itself carries a rich and unique history. Originally constructed as a family residence, it later housed various government offices and diplomatic staff. For a significant period, it even functioned as a school. Interestingly, during meetings at the embassy, our visitors occasionally share fond memories of attending the school decades ago, creating a personal connection to the building’s legacy. The Finnish Embassy was fortunate to find a building that was both suitable and adaptable for embassy use – only the sauna needed to be added, befitting as a Finnish institution. The Finns especially liked the architecture of the building, which is said to resemble a Moomin house with its round shape and a tower.

First Resident Ambassador

Following Ambassador Marjatta Rasi, Finland's Ambassadors to Nepal included Mr. Benjamin Bassin (1995–2001), Mr. Glen Lindholm (2001–2004), Mr. Asko Numminen (2005–2009), and Ms. Terhi Hakala (2010–2011) who were positioned in New Delhi and covering Nepal from there.

The first Finnish Ambassador to be stationed and thus resident in Kathmandu was Mr. Asko Luukkainen, who began his tenure in September, 2011. Kathmandu was familiar to Ambassador Luukkainen, as he had previously served there as Chargé d'affaires from 2000 to 2004. Shortly after his arrival, Ambassador Luukkainen presented his credentials to President Mr. Ram Baran Yadav, who expressed positivity for Finland's decision to establish a full-fledged embassy in Kathmandu. The president highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two countries and emphasized Finland's positive impact on Nepal's development. Ms. Heidi Hautala, Minister for International Development visited Nepal in December 2011, marking the first ministerial visit of the 21st century.

Ambassador Luukkainen was succeeded by Mr. Jorma Suvanto (2015–2018), followed by Mr. Pertti Anttinen (2018–2022). The current Ambassador of Finland to Nepal is H.E. Ms. Riina-Riikka Heikka.

A Journey of Partnership and Results-Based Cooperation

As the readers have discovered in earlier parts of this series, the friendship between Finland and Nepal extends well beyond 50 years of diplomatic relations, with its roots established much earlier. Together, we have we have achieved remarkable milestones and the partnership has proven its resilience. Finland and Nepal have weathered some of the most challenging chapters in Nepal’s recent history, including a decade-long civil war, the devastating Gorkha earthquake in 2015, and various natural disasters and epidemics like COVID-19, which hit the country’s healthcare system and economy hard.

Development cooperation has been at the heart of this collaboration, delivering tangible results over the years. As shared earlier, forestry sector was where the cooperation began in 1980s. Today, Finland and Nepal focus their joint efforts on three key sectors: 1) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Climate Resilience and Livelihoods 2) Education and 3) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion.

To share some of the highlights over the decades: the collaboration between the governments of Finland and Nepal in the WASH sector has established a robust system for delivering drinking water to some of the most remote areas of Nepal, focused on Sudurpashchim and Karnali Provinces. Over the course of 30 years of bilateral projects and a strong partnership with UNICEF Nepal, more than 2 million people have gained access to drinking water in Nepal.

Finland and Nepal have also worked together for quality and inclusive education for over 25 years. During this time, Nepal has seen a significant rise in literacy rates, a decline in school dropout rates, and a notable increase in girls' access to education. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, the partnership has pivoted to address urgent needs, ensuring education continues uninterrupted even during emergencies.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion have been a crosscutting objectives in the cooperation since its early days. Today, Finland works alongside the Government of Nepal and UN Women to tackle gender-based discrimination through a transformative approach. As a result of these efforts, 42% of Nepal’s budget is today gender responsive. Engagement in the discriminatory gender norms and practices that hinder women’s economic, political and social participation has significantly decreased in the project areas. The partnership focuses on intersectionality, and pays a special attention to the rights of persons with disabilities.

With a strong emphasis on development cooperation, the committed efforts have laid the groundwork for diversifying bilateral relations. This was demonstrated during the visit of Mr. Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development to Nepal in November 2024. During the visit, several key milestones were achieved: the launch of a new bilateral education project TECSES; the announcement of Finnfund’s 10 MEUR investment in WorldLink, which directly enhances Nokia’s presence in Nepal; and the signing of Finland’s new development financing instrument PIF (Public Sector Investment Facility), opening opportunities for Finnish companies to engage in projects in Nepal.

As the jubilee year comes to a close, we celebrate the enduring friendship between Finland and Nepal and look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our two countries. Ambassador Riina-Riikka Heikka concludes:

“Finland and Nepal have a successful, versatile foundation to build on in the future. We are looking ahead with a bright view, congratulating Nepal for its forthcoming LDC (Least Developed Country) graduation and continuing our partnership – together with Nepal and for Nepal.”

Text: Jyrki Paloposki, Petra Enbuske.