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Finland has expressed keen interest on hearing and understanding CARICOM’s concerns, and through its new Ambassador to CARICOM, is willing to help other countries in the European Union to be sensitive to regional concerns.Finland’s first Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM, H.E. Mikko Pyhälä presented his credentials on Tuesday last, to Caricom’s Deputy Secretary-General, Her Excellency Lolita Applewhaite,Rod Woodson Steelers Jersey UK, who observed that the accreditation was “important and historic” and was viewed by the Community as a “significant step” in the deepening relations with Finland.Noting that Finland was no stranger to CARICOM,Clay Matthews Packers Jersey UK, Ambassador Applewhaite said that through its observer status in the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), it had developed a knowledge of and familiarity with the countries of the Community.As a member of the European Union (EU), the Deputy Secretary-General said Finland had been linked to the Region through the historical agreements that characterise EU-CARICOM relations,Ra Shede Hageman Falcons Jersey UK, notably the successive Lomé Conventions,LaDarius Gunter Packers Jersey UK, the subsequent Cotonou Agreement and since 2008, the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).Finnish Ambassador Mikko Pyhälä,Le Veon Bell Steelers Jersey UK, said his country had appreciated the importance of CARICOM as a body which represented,Martellus Bennett Patriots Jersey UK, in an authentic manner,Javon Hargrave Steelers Jersey UK, the economic,Steve Bartkowski Falcons Jersey UK, commercial and other interests of its members. He added that Finland was keen on hearing and understanding CARICOM’s concerns and it was willing to help in the economic development of the Region through its contribution to the CARICOM Development Fund and through the European Development Fund,Devonta Freeman Falcons Jersey UK, to which it channels 25 per cent of its Overseas Development Aid. |
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