Finnish president confirms embassy status in meeting with Albanese

Résumé détaillé

Finland’s president has raised the status of his country’s embassy with Anthony Albanese after a “harrowing 24 hours”.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has personally confirmed to Anthony Albanese that “the Finnish Embassy in Canberra is open” after a diplomatic mission became an unexpected viral sensation.

In an unassuming Instagram post last week, the embassy advised it would close “for an internal planning day on Tuesday, 10 November 2026”, with regular operations to resume the next day.

To the surprise of staff, the mission was inundated by messages of support and well wishes from across the world as the post racked up millions of views.

“I have confirmed to the Prime Minister of Australia … that the Finnish Embassy in Canberra is open,” Mr Stubb wrote on social media overnight, posting a photo with Mr Albanese from the COP31 summit in Turkey.

Finding itself with the eyes of the world fixed on it, the embassy leaned into the attention, posting a follow-up video featuring ambassador Arto Haapea briefing the Finnish foreign minister following the planning day.

“I’m very happy to report that we had a good planning day today, and I just actually finished the sauna after a successful planning day,” Mr Haapea said.

The embassy also marked its reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to the relief of all those invested.

“After 24 harrowing hours, international expressions of grief and an unprecedented outpouring of solidarity, the Embassy of Finland in Canberra has officially reopened after its temporary closure on 10 November 2026,” it said.

“We thank the international community for your fascinating interest. The doors are open.”

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