Finland to Boost Partnership with Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) — Finland will enhance its partnership with Ethiopia across various sectors, Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen told ENA.

Recently, a group of African journalists visited Finland upon the invitation of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In an interview with ENA, Foreign Minister Valtonen noted the strong bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Finland.

The foreign minister stated that Finland is exploring all avenues to further enhance cooperation with Ethiopia, with focus on trade and investment.

The development cooperation includes key areas such as education, rural development, and economic partnerships.

Ethiopia is one of Finland's long-term partners in development cooperation. 

Foreign Minister Valtonen expressed her country's interest in exploring further avenues for the partnership with Ethiopia.

Anne Lamila, Ambassador-at-Large for Strategic Communications at the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs on her part said that the media visit aimed not only to inform journalists about Finland but also to strengthen Finland’s ties with African countries.

Ambassador Lamila noted that Finland maintained its strategic partnerships with the African Union and African nations, she added.

Finland, often called the land of happy people, is a Northern European country recognized for its trustworthy taxpayers and efficient social welfare programs.

The country has been ranked as the happiest country in the world by the United Nations for eight consecutive years.

Finnish citizens enjoy a high level of happiness due to a strong social safety net, environmental protection, gender equality, family-friendly policies, and free education.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries dates back to 1959.