Foreign Minister Tuomioja was granted Honorary Doctor's degree by University of Palestine
On 21 May, the University of Palestine in Gaza granted Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja the Honorary Doctor's degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) within the field of international humanitarian justice. Foreign Minister Tuomioja visited Gaza to receive his Honorary Doctor’s degree as part of his more extensive visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. He gave a speech at the reception ceremony.
Foreign Minister Tuomioja’s visit to Gaza was hosted by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Minister also discussed the situation in the region with the representatives of the organisation. During the visit, Finland announced additional funding for UNRWA, amounting to 1.5 million euros.
The University of Palestine (UP) is a new, private university in Gaza, with no party alignment.
Additional information: Tarja Kantola, Special Adviser to the Foreign Minister, tel. +358 40 590 4119; and Helena Tuuri, Head of the Unit for the Middle East and North Africa, tel. +358 50 527 5409