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H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, says there is potential for increased cooperation between Papua New Guinea and the Republic of Finland.

Grand Chief Sir Bob said, Papua New Guinea would like to see direct bilateral cooperation between PNG and Finland in the areas of trade and defence, maritime security, malicious cyber activities, emerging technologies, terrorism, investment and development assistance.

Presentation of Credentials ceremony by Finland’s Ambassador-designate to PNG, H.E. Mrs. Satu Mattila-Budich at Government House 

Speaking at the Presentation of Credentials ceremony by Finland’s Ambassador-designate to PNG, H.E. Mrs. Satu Mattila-Budich at Government House in Port Moresby, Grand Chief Sir Bob highlighted possible areas of cooperation between the two countries such as oil, fisheries, petroleum and natural gas and downstream processing of fish in PNG.

Currently, PNG exports coffee to Finland and imports machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and equipment from Finland. 

“PNG acknowledges the Government of Finland’s keen desire to immediately look at areas of cooperation with PNG especially in various fields of people to people exchange, capacity building, Technical Aid and other development cooperation that would benefit both countries,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.

In similar sentiments, Ambassador Mattila-Budich noted that despite the vast geographical locations of both countries, Finland welcomes the opportunity to increase trade and investment with PNG.

Ambassador Mattila-Budich informed that Governor General that are Finnish firms currently established in the country that specializes in marine and energy technology and stone crushing technology which generates millions of Kina in investment in PNG.

Ambassador Mattila-Budich further acknowledged and thank the PNG Government for its support to Finland in the United Nations forum and recently as the newest member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation).

“Finland recently became the newest member of NATO as we need to maximise our security in light of recent developments in Europe, the Ukraine-Russian war and the situation in Israel and Palestine. It is important to get support from peace keeping nations such as Papua New Guinea in the United Nations and we truly appreciate the support of Papua New Guinea,” Ambassador Mattila-Budich said.

PNG and Finland established diplomatic relations in 1977 at non-resident ambassadorial level.

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