Finland hosts ‘last’ reception to mark Independence Day, Thailand’s National Day event attracts large gathering
The federal capital on Thursday (Dec 4), witnessed two receptions marking the National Day of Thailand and the Independence Day of Finland.
With a margin of only one honour, the events took place almost simultaneously thus kept the guests, mostly diplomats, running from one reception to the other—from Finland’s Independence Day at Serena Hotel to Thailand’s National Day at the Marriott.
The Finnish event was important in the sense that it was going to be the ‘last’ Independence Day event of the country taking place in Pakistan as Finland has announced closure of its mission in Pakistan by 2026 owing to various factors including streamlining of operations and redirecting resources towards countries deemed more critical to the country’s long-term political and economic interests.
Under the revised plan, alongside Islamabad, Finland is also shutting down its embassies in Kabul and Yangon.
National anthem of Finland, EU anthem and the national anthem of Pakistan were played on the occasion. Ambassador HannuRipatti along with his spouse Mrs Veronica Ripatti cut the cake. “We are closing our embassy in Pakistan but I shall always cherish the memories of the days spent in this wonderful country,” he said adding the people of Pakistan are very kind, hospitable and friendly and his days spent here are like a treasure of memories. The guests wished the couple health, happiness and success and congratulated them on the 108th Independence Day.
With regard to the Thailand National Day, Ambassador RongvudhiVirabutr also hosted a reception and a musical performance. The day also commemorates the birthday of King BhumibolAdulyadej (Rama IX), and celebrated in Thailand as Father’s Day.
Minister of State for Finance & Railways, Bilal AzharKayani was the Chief Guest on the occasion while among the noted guests included Federal Minister for Investment, Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman & editor-in-chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik, diplomats, members of civil society and a large number of the Thai nationals.
The event also paid tribute to the late monarch’s legacy and observed the national mourning period for Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
