Finnish Embassy in Ankara celebrated the National Day on 3rd Dec and met the Honorary consuls

The Embassy of Finland in Ankara celebrated the 104th National Day a few days beforehand on 3rd December.

In the morning of the day of celebration Finland’s Honorary consuls in Turkey were invited to the Finnish Embassy in Ankara. The program of the meeting included a good amount of information about the current work in the consular & immigration section, Team Finland and Defense Attaché office. In addition to the official program news about the work of the consulates and life around Turkey were also discussed.

 

Finland has Honorary Consulate General in Istanbul and besides that Honorary Consulates in Adana, Alanya, Antalya and Izmir. The plan is to open also a new Honorary Consulate to Kayseri, Central Anatolia.

 

After the afternoon’s meeting, the staff of the Finnish Embassy and Honorary consuls continued the celebration of the National Day in Ambassador’s residence. After a short speech by the Ambassador Mäki both Finnish and Turkish national anthems were listened.

 

Altogether almost 200 guests arrived to the reception including local diplomats, mission’s cooperation partners, representatives of Turkish media & culture and Finns living in Turkey. Ambassador Mäki also exchanged greetings with a former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey who visited the event.

 

Besides that there was also time for discussions, meeting colleagues & friends and taking photos. Despite a little windiness, the weather was still warm enough for guests to enjoy the event also at the residence’s balcony. Buffet table tempted people to taste Finnish delicacies such as Karelian pies, salmon and reindeer breads, gingerbread and Christmassy chocolates.