KATHMANDU: Finnish Ambassador to Nepal Petri Juhani Puhakka paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur today.

During the discussions, the two leaders exchanged greetings and deliberated on Nepal–Finland bilateral relations, Finland’s support for Nepal’s socio-economic development, and collaboration on multilateral platforms.

Expressing satisfaction over the longstanding friendly ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, Vice President Yadav appreciated Finland’s assistance, particularly in areas such as forestry, climate resilience, education, safe drinking water, disaster management, gender equality, and social inclusion.

“Nepal values Finland’s active role on international issues, including climate change, at multilateral forums,” he said. “I am confident that cooperation between Nepal and Finland will continue on both bilateral and multilateral platforms on areas of mutual interest.”

Vice President Yadav also shared Nepal’s aspirations to graduate from the list of least developed countries next year and become a middle-income country by 2030.

He emphasized that achieving sustainable and irreversible progress will require technology, investment, and financial partnerships from development partners, including Finland.

Ambassador Puhakka briefed the Vice President on three major bilateral development projects implemented in Nepal in cooperation with the European Union.

He said these initiatives aim to improve access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation in Karnali, build climate-resilient livelihoods and natural resource management in Karnali and Sudurpashchim, and strengthen schools and provide necessary tools for teachers in Karnali, Sudurpashchim, and Madhesh regions.