Embassy of the United States, Helsinki

LocationFinland Helsinki, Finland
AddressItäinen Puistotie 14 B, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
Coordinates60°9′25″N 24°57′40″E / 60.15694°N 24.96111°E / 60.15694; 24.96111
Websitehttps://fi.usembassy.gov

The Embassy of the United States in Helsinki is the diplomatic mission of the United States to Finland.

History

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Finland were established shortly after Finland declared its independence from the Russian Empire on December 6, 1917. The United States officially recognized Finland on May 7, 1919, as communicated in a letter from Secretary of State Robert Lansing to Finnish Foreign Minister Rudolf Holsti, and diplomatic relations were established on May 27, 1919.[1] The first U.S. Legation in Helsinki was established on March 19, 1920, when Chargé d’Affaires pro tem Alexander R. Magruder presented his credentials.[1]

During the 1930s, despite the Great Depression, Finland was the only country to continue repaying its World War I debts to the United States.[1] However, relations were disrupted during World War II following Finland's alliance with Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union, which led to the closing of the U.S. Legation in Helsinki on June 30, 1944.[1] Informal relations were resumed later in the year after Finland signed an armistice with the Allies and expelled German nationals from its territory.[1]

Formal diplomatic relations were reinstated on September 1, 1945, and the American Legation in Helsinki was reestablished, with Benjamin M. Hulley serving as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.[1] The legation was later elevated to embassy status with Jack K. McFall assuming the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary on November 15, 1952.[1]

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States has consistently supported Finland’s neutrality while strengthening its ties with the West.[2] The U.S. has backed Finland’s integration into Western structures, including becoming a full member of the European Union (EU) in 1995 and joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2023.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Finland". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  2. 1 2 "U.S. Embassy Helsinki, Finland". diplomacy.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
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