Ambassador to Canberra and two non-resident Ambassadors

At its session on 19 October, the Government appointed Counsellor Arto Haapea to serve as Counsellor for Foreign Affairs, starting on 1 March 2024. The President of the Republic appointed Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Arto Haapea to serve as Head of Mission at Finland’s Embassy in Canberra, starting on 1 March 2024.

Haapea is currently Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Unit for East and Southeast Asia and Oceania, where he has previously served as Deputy Director and Team Leader.

His career in the diplomatic service includes posts in Shanghai, New Delhi, the Hague and Finland’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. Haapea has also served as a national expert and Political Counsellor at the EU Delegation in Beijing. In addition, he served as Deputy Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development in 2006–2007.

Haapea joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 2006. He holds a Master of Laws degree.

The President of the Republic appointed Ambassador Niklas Lindqvist, Head of Mission in Belgrade, to serve as a non-resident Ambassador to North Macedonia. In addition, the President of the Republic appointed Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta, Head of Mission in New Delhi, to serve as a non-resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka.