Ambassadors Circle Series (March 2nd, 2015) 

Matti Anttonen
Under-Secretary of State for External Economic Relations, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Ambassador of Finland to Russia (2008-2012)

The European Union and Russia – A Finnish Perspective

anttonenThe World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host Matti Anttonen, Under-Secretary of State for External Economic Affairs in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland as part of the WACC Ambassadors Circle Series program on Monday, March 2nd, 2015.

As the Ambassador of Finland to Russia from 2008 and 2012, Anttonen will share his unique perspective on the current state of affairs within the European Union and the challenges it faces in response to the Russia’s tumulus relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.

In addition, he will offer his professional opinion on recent developments in Ukraine and its impact on Europe’s geopolitical sphere. His views on the current crisis in Ukraine, Russia’s role in the conflict and its impact on its neighbors, including Finland, will be significant and thought-provoking particularly in the current global order.

This is the first visit by high-ranking Finish government officials to the Queen City to promote new multifaceted economic trade opportunities and build closer business partnerships between Charlotte, North Carolina and Finland.

Finland Delegation to North Carolina, March 2-4, 2015

  • Mr. Matti Anttonen, Under-Secretary of State for External Economic Relations, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
  • Mr. Jukka Pietikäinen, Ambassador, Consul General of Finland in New York
  • Ms. Soili Buhanist-Mäkeläinen, Minister Counselor, Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C.
  • Mr. Stefan Lindström, Minister Counselor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
  • Mr. Tomi Rauste, Vice President, Head of Region Americas of Finpro
  • Mr. Jukka Salminiitty, Counselor, Innovations / Head of Tekes, Washington D.C

— In appreciation of your support and membership of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, the first 15 WACC members who sign-up for this program will be provided FREE access to the event —

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Date: March 2, 2015
Location: Hilton Charlotte Center City (222 E. Third St.) – Directions
Check-In and Networking: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch, Presentation & Q&A: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Cost:
$30 (WACC student/educator/TMS members)
You must be an individual WACC educator/student/TMS member to qualify for the $30 rate
$35 (WACC members)
$50 (non-Members)
Become a member of the WACC to attend this program at the discounted member rate
Click here to register online via Constant Contact

Call 704-687-7762 for credit card payments (non-PayPal transactions) over the phone.

If you prefer sending a check, please make it payable to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte” and mail it to the following address:

World Affairs Council of Charlotte
UNC Charlotte – CHHS 227
9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223

All reservation cancellations must be completed at least 3 business days prior to an event in order to receive a full refund. If you have dietary restrictions (i.e. vegan, vegetarian, food allergies etc.), please let us know in advance so that we can make the appropriate accommodations.

Biography

Mr. Matti Anttonen is Under-Secretary of State for External Economic Affairs in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Prior to his current position Mr. Anttonen served as Director General of the Department of External Economic Relations from 2012 to 2013.

Much of Mr. Anttonen’s career has been connected with Russia. From 2008 to 2012 he served as Finland’s Ambassador to Russia. From 1994 to 2002 he worked first as Director for Russia and later as Deputy Director General of the Division for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Anttonen has worked in Finnish diplomatic missions in Washington DC, as Minister and Deputy Head of Mission and at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the UN in Geneva.

Matti Anttonen joined the Ministry in 1986. He holds Master degrees both in economics and in modern history.eter Wittig is Ambassador of Germany to the United States of America.