Finns mark Independence Day in Manila | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Finland Ambassador Juha Markus Pyykkö
Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Finland Ambassador Juha Markus Pyykkö

After a hiatus of 10 years, the Independence Day of Finland was celebrated at a reception organized by the newly reopened Embassy of Finland in Manila.

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils, Consul General of Monaco Fortune Ledesma

In his speech, Ambassador Juha Markus Pyykkö thanked the guests for their assistance, guidance and kindness during the first two years of operations.

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Maria Lourdes Locsin, Rita Lakkso of Finland

The event celebrated more than just the independence of Finland. It also called to mind the progress the Finns have been making here, including the reopening of the Embassy in 2020, after nearly eight years of being closed.

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Brenda Gmasz, Deputy Head of Mission of Austria Wolfgang Gmasz

Pyykkö lauded the hospitality and assistance of Filipinos during his stay here. The Finnish community was acknowledged warmly in his speech as well, with the ambassador greeting them in their native tongue.

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Consul Herbert Nyqvist of Finland, Deputy Head of Mission Dalibor Micka of Czech Republic

Perhaps the most exciting announcement of the night was that the Embassy of the Philippines in Helsinki would reopen by 2024. We look forward to that.

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Charles Brown, Foreign Assistant Secretary Jaime Ledda

The event was overall a delight to experience, and full of optimism for future Finland-Philippine relations. —Contributed

Finns mark Independence Day in Manila
Norway Ambassador Christian Lyster, Catherine Lyster
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