FM starts 2-day visit to Senegal

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto on Monday started a two-day visit to Senegal, said the ministry in a press release.

In Dakar, Haavisto is scheduled to meet Senegalese Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall and other state leaders.

The ministers will discuss bilateral relations between Finland and Senegal as well as topical international questions.

Finland opened an embassy in Dakar in 2022. It is Finland’s first embassy in the French-speaking West Africa.

“It is important that Finland has closer relations with West Africa. We are affected by developments in the region, which also offers many opportunities for cooperation. Senegal is an important partner for Finland and for the EU in western Africa,” said Haavisto.

In Dakar, Haavisto is also scheduled to meet members of Senegal’s National Assembly and representatives of research institutes, international organisations and civil society organisations.

They will discuss the situation in Senegal and more widely in West Africa and the Sahel region.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Haavisto will inaugurate Finland’s Embassy in Dakar.