Christina Gestrin appointed as Foreign Minister's Special Representative for Baltic Sea Cooperation

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini has appointed former MP Christina Gestrin (MSc in Agriculture and Forestry, EMBA) to serve as the Minister's Special Representative for Baltic Sea Cooperation. Gerstrin will focus on promoting cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, with special emphasis on the environment.

One of the five priorities, established by Minister Soini at the beginning of his term of office, is the strengthening of stability and economy in the Baltic Sea region. Matters related to the environment and the promotion of international cooperation in the Baltic Sea region will be central in the Special Representative's work.

The appointment is a personal position of trust to Gerstrin and she will handle it in addition to her other activities; the position is therefore non-salaried.

During this electoral term, Foreign Minister Soini has also appointed a Special Representative to handle matters related to his other priority, mediation. The first Special Representative on Mediation was Pekka Haavisto, MP; the position is currently held by Jutta Urpilainen, MP.

Inquiries: Kalle Kankaanpää, Director, Unit for Northern Europe, tel. +358 295 351 816

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected].