Jose Franco Soberano Honorary Consul of Finland in Cebu welcomed the new Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen

The newly appointed Ambassador to the Philippines, Saija Nurminen arrived in Cebu Monday, December 16, 2024 to meet with locsl Cebu officials

The Consulate of Finland to the Visayas is optimistic for the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between Finland and the Philippines under the leadership of Ambassador Saija Nurminen.

“The appointment of Ambassador Numinen marks an exciting new chapter for Finnish-Philippine relations. Her extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in building stronger connections and fostering new partnerships. We look forward to collaborating with her on initiatives that will benefit both our nations,” said Jose Franco Soberano, the Honorary Consul of Finland in the Visayas

—Ambassador Nurminen brings a wealth of experience in international diplomacy and a deep commitment to promoting Finland’s interests globally.

Soberano added, “This is an opportunity to open new doors for Finnish companies, academics, and cultural institutions, while simultaneously learning from the vibrant and dynamic Filipino culture, particularly in the Visayas region.”

—moved to Manila from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, served as Director of the Personnel Unit at the Administrative Services since 2020.

—Diplomatic Service posts in Finland’s embassies in Berlin and Washington, Finland’s Permanent Mission in Geneva and Finland’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.

— joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in 2003 and previously served as the Director of the Human Resources Unit.—served in the Permanent Mission of Finland in Geneva, the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU in Brussels, as well as the Embassies of Finland in Berlin and Washington.

—a lawyer, married with two daughters and two dog-sized cats. The Consulate of Finland to the Visayas looks forward to working closely with Ambassador Nurminen to continue expanding the bilateral relationship, particularly in the fields of green transition and energy as well as digitalisation and connectivity.