Finland’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Sanna Selin, has expressed optimism about the future of Finland-Nigeria relations, highlighting opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation.
Speaking at Finland’s 107th National Day celebration in Abuja, Selin emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration between the two nations despite their differences.
“Nigeria and Finland share common values and work closely in multilateral fora for a better world. The key is to understand each other’s needs, learn from one another, and build trust. I see a brighter future for our nations together,” Selin said.
The ambassador underscored the need to find mutually beneficial solutions to shared challenges, leveraging each nation’s strengths.
On the Ukraine-Russia war, Selin reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to peace, security, and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“From our history, we understand Ukraine’s fight for independence. Supporting Ukraine is an obligation for maintaining the rules-based international order,” she said, reflecting on Finland’s struggles for independence and its lessons for global diplomacy.
Highlighting Finland’s achievements, Selin noted the country’s progressive social policies, including granting political rights to all citizens before independence from Russia. She credited these policies for driving advancements in education, healthcare, and overall national happiness.
“Since 2018, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. This stems from our strong social safety net, personal freedom, and work-life balance,” she added.
The celebration served as a platform to reinforce Finland-Nigeria ties and explore avenues for deeper collaboration in addressing global and local challenges.
