Press release 02/2009
Vice President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan will visit Finland on 14-15 May. Vice President Jonathan will be accompanied by ministers and governors representing various states of Nigeria, and an extensive business delegation.
The purpose of the visit is to promote trade relations between Finland and Nigeria and establish contacts between companies. Other intended topics of discussion during the visit will include general political questions, parliamentary cooperation and crisis management issues.
During his visit, Vice President Jonathan will meet President of the Republic Tarja Halonen, President Martti Ahtisaari and Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Sauli Niinistö. He will also participate in an extensive Finland-Nigeria business seminar. The visit will be hosted by Secretary of State Pertti Torstila.
Nigeria has been forecast to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the next decade. The country has substantial oil, natural gas and mineral resources. With 150 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most significant market area in Sub-Saharan Africa.
For additional information, please contact: Project Manager Kirsti Tarvainen, Finpro, tel. +358 40 343 3434, Advisor Antti Loikas, Unit for the the Middle East and North Africa, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 6332, Counsellor Pirjo Virtanen, Unit for East and West Africa, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5526, and in matters concerning media arrangements, First Secretary René Söderman, tel. +358 40 481 9856
