04/09/2026
The Embassy of Finland in Riyadh recently hosted an informal farewell gathering in honor of Her Excellency Ms. Anu-Eerika Viljanen, Ambassador of Finland to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen, as she concluded four remarkable years of diplomatic service in the region.
The evening brought together ambassadors, diplomats, members of the Diplomatic Quarter community, Finnish business representatives, colleagues, and friends to celebrate Ambassador Viljanen’s tenure and wish her and her husband, Mr. Jani Surakka, a warm farewell.
In his remarks, Deputy Head of Mission Ville Linnala praised Ambassador Viljanen’s professionalism, dedication, leadership, and open-door approach. He described her not only as an ambassador and supervisor, but also as a colleague, friend, mentor, and source of inspiration. He highlighted her work during a period of rapid regional change, including Saudi Arabia’s continuing transformation under Vision 2030, and recognized her efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, promote Finnish business interests, and deepen Finland’s understanding of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen.
Ambassador Viljanen responded with heartfelt gratitude, thanking her husband, the embassy team, regional partners, the diplomatic community, Finnish companies, and the many friends who had made Riyadh feel like home. She reflected on the friendships and memories created through Saudi hospitality, private gatherings, shared meals, and conversations over Saudi coffee. She said that she would leave the Kingdom with a deep appreciation for the region and its people.
As she prepares to begin a new role in Helsinki focusing on business, trade, and investment promotion in Asia and Oceania, Ambassador Viljanen emphasized that the occasion was not truly goodbye, but simply “see you later.”
The gathering reflected the spirit of diplomatic life in Riyadh, where professional cooperation often develops into lasting friendship, mutual respect, and meaningful connections across countries and cultures.
Written by Alexander Woodman Saudi Arabia
