Finland Praises Kurdistan Region’s Neutrality, Sees Trade Opportunities

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Finland’s ambassador to Iraq has described relations between his country and the Kurdistan Region as excellent, highlighting significant opportunities to expand trade and investment while praising Erbil’s policy of staying out of regional conflicts.

On Tuesday, Antti Putkonen, Finland’s ambassador to Iraq, made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, discussing bilateral relations, regional security, visa procedures, and the Kurdish community in Finland.

Putkonen said Finland maintained strong relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and that he regularly visited Erbil to meet government officials and political party leaders.

Although progress in commercial relations had been gradual, he said there was considerable potential for expansion and that Finnish companies could play a greater role in the Kurdistan Region’s economy.

Finland Praises Erbil’s Regional Policy

Commenting on the war involving Iran and the wider regional situation, Putkonen praised the Kurdistan Region’s decision to avoid becoming involved in the conflict.

“The Kurdistan Region’s approach of staying out of the war with Iran was a very wise decision,” he said.

The Finnish ambassador also commended Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani’s efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran, saying regional leaders who promote dialogue were important to ending the conflict.

“Leaders like Nechirvan Barzani are very important for ending the war and ensuring that dialogue prevails,” Putkonen said.

He acknowledged the losses suffered by the Kurdistan Region during the conflict, including casualties resulting from attacks. He added that Finland had strongly condemned violations of the territorial sovereignty of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Finland to Maintain Security Cooperation with Iraq

Addressing Finland’s military role in Iraq, Putkonen said Finnish forces had participated in the international coalition for 10 years before withdrawing two years ago after being informed of new plans.

He said Finland could continue developing its relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region without maintaining a military base in the region.

Finland would also continue supporting Iraq in the security sector, he added.

No Immediate Plans for Finnish Consulate in Erbil

Putkonen said Finland currently had no plans to open a consulate in Erbil, despite the sizable Kurdish community living in Finland.

He explained that Kurdish residents could handle consular matters and submit applications through the Finnish Embassy in Baghdad.

Regarding visa services, the ambassador said the process was not currently available but that efforts were underway to make it possible in the near future.

He said the aim was to reduce irregular migration while enabling people to travel legally.

Finnish Kurds Could Help Expand Trade

Putkonen praised the Kurdish community in Finland for its integration into Finnish society, noting that many Kurds had achieved success in fields including medicine, education, and business.

He encouraged Kurdish residents to become more active in economic activities, saying they could serve as a bridge between Finland and the Kurdistan Region.

The ambassador said the community had considerable potential to help strengthen commercial ties and promote greater economic cooperation between the two sides.