Rehan Shahid 
Dec 01, 2025
Finland has announced the closure of its embassies in different countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar by 2026 for 'operational and strategic' reasons.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen stated: "The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has begun preparations to close the Finnish embassies in Islamabad, Kabul and Yangon.
“Decisions on closures are made by decree of the president of the republic,” said Valtonen, adding that the decision reflects a combination of operational and strategic factors, including shifting political conditions in the host countries and limited commercial engagement with Finland.
The foreign minister further added that the objective is to consolidate diplomatic and economic resources in regions where Finland sees greater strategic value.
Earlier, she said they launched a strategic review of the diplomatic mission network, which takes into account, among other things, Finland's foreign and security policy interests and the needs of Team Finland's export promotion activities.
“Our operating environment is changing rapidly. The changes to be made will help us to build a stronger and more competitive Finland and to manage Finland’s external relations in accordance with our priorities,” said Valtonen.
It should be noted that Finland strengthened its presence in the United States earlier by opening a Consulate General in Houston, a centre for energy, innovation and trade. The foreign minister is also preparing to start commercial offices in 2026 in countries where Business Finland — Finland's official government agency for trade and investment promotion, innovation funding, travel promotion and talent attraction — previously operated.
