Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland and Ambassador of Finland to Ukraine visited IFNUL
OCTOBER 17, 2017 – On October 16, 2017, a Roundtable “100th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Finland: lessons for Ukraine” was held at the Faculty of International Relations of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Ukrainian and Finnish diplomats, representatives of the administration of the University and local authorities, scholars and students from Lviv and other Ukrainian cities took part in the scientific meeting.
During the opening ceremony, Prof. Mariya Zubrytska, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work and International Cooperation of the University, noted that understanding of the history of Finland and its present is extremely important for Ukraine, since 100 years ago Finns were able to do what Ukrainians did not succeed in gaining independence .
“It is very important for us to discuss and understand how 100 years ago in similar circumstances, Finland was able to do what we failed. Also, for us, there is an interesting experience of Finland in building a solid economy and developing state and social institutions “, – noted Maria Zubrytska, adding that the Finnish educational reforms are of particular interest to Ukraine.
Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Ukraine Juha Virtanen stressed that for 100 years his country faced many challenges and problems. However, Finland managed to build democratic institutions, a strong economy and become an important member of the world community. According to the diplomat, modern Finland holds leading positions in many international rankings. Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Finland Andriy Olefirov wished to all participants of the event an active work and fruitful discussions and joined the greetings with video-connection.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland (2011-2015) Erkki Tuomioja spoke about the process of the formation of Finland as an independent democratic state. In addition, the participants discussed key aspects of Finland’s foreign policy in the wake of regional and geopolitical conflicts, analyzed the innovation of the Finnish economy and the Finnish model of secondary and higher education, and also shared judgments about the potential of Ukrainian-Finnish relations.