06/12/2025
West Coast Diplomacy: Farewell, Okkis — Welcome, Minna
Okko-Pekka Salmimies bid farewell to Los Angeles consulate yesterday and will head to new challenges after the summer, taking with him fond memories of California.
He and his family leave behind many friends who will remain close despite the distance, as well as numerous collaborators with whom our Consul General built strong relationships for the benefit of Finnish interests. As he departed, Consul General of Finland Salmimies expressed pride in the achievements he and his excellent team made—particularly in advancing support for Finnish businesses entering the U.S. market.
As a farewell gift, the Honorary Consuls of the West Coast states presented Okkis, as he is known, with maps of the states belonging to the U.S. West Coast region. Few may realize that the jurisdiction of the Consul General in Los Angeles covers 13 states on the western coast of the United States—certainly no small post to serve.
The new Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles, Minna Laajava, will officially begin her term at the beginning of September and has already received a warm welcome. The capable staff of the Consulate, together with the local Finnish community in LA, are no doubt ready to assist and support—especially as our city prepares for major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the LA28 Olympic Games.
Welcome to the West Coast, Consul General Minna Laajava!
Team VIILEE at your service on the West Coast:
🔅Leena Tukiainen&Viivi Avellan🇫🇮, delivering tailored programs that support international businesses entering and expanding in the U.S. market.
🔅Huikuri Law, Visa Services
🔅Kirpi Uimonen, Entertainment & Cultural Sector Consultant
🔅Heidi Kaijomaa, Strategy and Communications Consulting
🔅Erica Tukiainen, MedTech Consulting
🔅Sohvi Huikuri, Artist’s Entertainment Law, Entertainment Legal Services.
