New term of Saimaa Canal Commission starts

The work of the Saimaa Canal Commission continues. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has appointed the new members of the Saimaa Canal Commission for the five-year term 17 February 2022-16 February 2027. The Commission held the first meeting in its new composition on 21 April 2022.

The Saimaa Canal Commission is chaired by Minna Kivimäki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications and Finland's Saimaa Canal Delegate. The vice-chair is Timo Kievari, Director of Unit at the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The other members of the Commission are Director General Marja Liivala from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Brigadier General Matti Sarasmaa from the Finnish Border Guard, Director Maritta Haapasalmi from the Finnish Customs and Division Director Esa Sirkiä from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. The Secretary of the Commission is Seppo Kykkänen, Head of the Saimaa Canal Delegate's Office.

The task of the Commission is to coordinate the opinions of the authorities in matters relating to the implementation of the Saimaa Canal lease agreement and the development of vessel traffic and to serve as the permit authority.

Under the lease agreement, Russia leases the parts of the Saimaa Canal located in its territory and certain land area adjacent to it to Finland.

Inquiries:

Minna Kivimäki, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 295 342 389, [email protected]

Seppo Kykkänen, Head of the Saimaa Canal Delegate's Office, tel. +358 295 342 580, [email protected]