Erbil Governor and Deputy Ambassador of Finland to Iraq Emphasize Strengthening Relations

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, received Aki Coppinen, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Iraq, at the Governorate Diwan.
 

During the meeting, the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Iraq praised the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Governor of Erbil for the stability established in the capital of the Kurdistan Region, expressing his admiration for the city's rapid development, reconstruction, and changes. He also highlighted mechanisms for strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and his country, emphasizing Finland's desire to advance its ties with the Kurdistan Region, especially in areas of mutual interest.
 

For his part, the Governor of Erbil, in addition to welcoming him, expressed hope that the Deputy Ambassador would enjoy his time in the capital, Erbil. He emphasized further developing relations and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of Finland.
 

He also highlighted the role of the Kurdish diaspora in Finland, where a large number of Kurds reside and work to further introduce the Kurdish issue through artistic, cultural, and intellectual activities. He expressed hope that Finland would open a consulate in the capital, Erbil, to further advance general, cultural, artistic, and commercial relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of Finland.

In another part of the meeting, they discussed the latest political and economic developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. In this regard, the Governor of Erbil presented all the important and strategic projects that have been implemented in Erbil Governorate during past years, despite the crises and difficult financial situation.
He added that if it weren't for Baghdad's oppression against the Kurdistan Region, the capital Erbil would have been more developed and prosperous.
 

Finally, the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Iraq thanked the Governor of Erbil for the reception and expressed his readiness for all cooperation and coordination to advance and strengthen relations.