Abu Dhabi: SiltaNews – News Desk
A UAE delegation headed by His Excellency Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, concluded a successful three-day visit to Finland. This visit builds on a previous visit that highlighted priority areas of cooperation in advanced and emerging technologies. This visit enhanced opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, particularly through strengthening partnerships in the fields of communications, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defense technology, energy, and innovation in space technology.
The visit began in Helsinki with a high-level meeting with Mr. Justin Hotrad, CEO of Nokia. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in the field of telecommunications and digital infrastructure, emphasizing the shared vision of the UAE and Finland to promote innovation in the information and communications technology sector internationally. This was also evident in His Excellency Sharaf’s meeting with Her Excellency Antti Vasara, Special Envoy for Technology at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where discussions addressed ways to enhance existing and new strategic cooperation paths.
The visit also included meetings with Wärtsilä to discuss advanced energy solutions and marine technologies, as well as with ReOrbit to explore opportunities for cooperation in the fields of satellites and space innovation. During a visit to Oulu, Finland’s leading emerging technology hub, the delegation toured Nokia’s OTAVA (Over the Air Validation Area) test area and the company’s new campus, where they learned about the latest developments in telecommunications and Nokia’s 6G Flagship program.
The Oulu visit concluded with a panel discussion with Business Oulu and the Oulu Chamber of Commerce, along with a number of leading Finnish technology companies, including Bitium, KNL, and Conlog, which are leading pivotal projects in various technology sectors, particularly in the areas of defense and dual-use technologies.
The UAE delegation included Her Excellency Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, and Walid Al Mesmari, President of Space and Cyber at EDGE, along with other representatives from G42, EDGE, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit highlighted the UAE’s strategy to enhance ongoing engagement with Finland, with the aim of deepening international cooperation in advanced technology and establishing partnerships that contribute to supporting innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.