The outgoing Ambassador of Finland to Iraq Anu Saarela on Tuesday thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for their “excellent” cooperation in strengthening ties between Finland and the Kurdistan Region.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday bid farewell to Ambassador Saarela.

“Heartfelt thank you to you, Excellency Masrour Barzani, for a constructive meeting and for strengthening the relations between Finland and the Kurdistan Region,” Ambassador Saarela posted on X. “I also wish to thank your administration for excellent co-operation during my term.”

Heartfelt thank you to you Excellency @masrourbarzani for a constructive meeting and for strengthening the relations between #Finland and the #Kurdistan region. I also wish to thank your administration for excellent co-operation during my term. https://t.co/LixjjW5WwW

— Anu M Saarela (@AnuSaarela) July 2, 2025

According to the KRG readout, Prime Minister Barzani thanked Ambassador Saarela for her efforts in promoting bilateral relations and wished her success in her future endeavors. Ambassador Saarela expressed her appreciation for the cooperation and support of the KRG during her tenure, and reaffirmed Finland’s interest in strengthening ties with the Kurdistan Region.

Furthermore, in a separate meeting on Wednesday, President Nechirvan Barzani also expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Saarela for her contributions to enhancing the relationship between her country and Iraq.

He also reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to deepening ties and collaboration with Finland.