Message from Ambassador of Finland in Vietnam 26.3.2020

The corona virus has exposed the world to a unique and worrying situation. Truly the world is now a global village and nations, cities, communities and families face uncertain challanges. In Finland, the Government has taken unprecedented measures to contain the pandemic, to assure the care of those infected and to support the continuity of the Finnish economy. These measures are very similar to those taken earlier in Vietnam.

Both countries have temporarily suspended or reduced international travel. The Embassy of Finland in Hanoi has suspended receiving visa- or residence permit applications. The Embassy of Finland in Hanoi is in the immediate future concentrating - with valuable support from Vietnamese authorities - on consular services to Finnish citizens.

The Embassy of Finland in Vietnam concentrates now on its core mission, assisting and advising Finnish citizens in need of assistance.

Promoting and advancing relations between Finland and Vietnam, supporting people-to-people contacts and tourism as well as supporting trade, investment and educational co-operation are very strong on the Embassy’s agenda and will remain so. However, now it is the time to concentrate on containing the pandemic and assuring the safety and wellbeing of Finnish citizens. The Embassy can serve within its resources and possibilities and does its best towards this common end.

Finland and Vietnam have excellent, long-term relations and a long track record of cooperation - also during difficult and trying times.

I am certain we will pull out of this situation together, stand united and gather experiences and contacts today, which will be building blocks for a bright, common future.

 

Kari Kahiluoto

Ambassador of Finland in Vietnam