Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a state banquet hosted by President of Israel Shimon Peres on 12 October 2010

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On behalf of myself and my spouse, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to You, Mr President, for the invitation to visit your country. I have visited the country on numerous occasions, first time in the mid 1970’s.

Your active role as an advocate of peace is widely recognised. Defending peace in the midst of a conflict is challenging. This, however, has not discouraged You. The Middle East peace process needs a strong voice of peace in a situation where there continue to be sceptics.

Finland stresses the need to bring the peace negotiations to a conclusion as soon as possible. This would mean that two democratic states, the State of Israel and the Palestinian state live as good neighbours in peace and security – as expressed in the European Union Council Conclusions of December 2009. We strongly support the Middle East peace process.

In order to create a sustainable peace, the question of Gaza also requires a durable solution. The EU has offered to help in the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza.

As you have rightly pointed out, the conflict does not only involve the Israelis and Palestinians. The aim is to ensure stability in the whole region. I hope that awareness of this great responsibility encourages both Israelis and Palestinians to seek a sustainable peace.

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Our two countries have been “neighbours” since Finland joined the European Union. Finland strongly advocates the neighbourhood policies of the European Union – such as the Mediterranean Union.

The relations of Finland and Israel have long traditions. Finland was among the first countries to recognise the State of Israel in the spring 1949. This year marks the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Over the years, we have enjoyed positive and stable relations.

The Jewish community in Finland is a cherished part of our society. The unique history of Jews in Finland was presented last year at an exhibition organised at the Diaspora Museum in Tel Aviv. Telling the story of our Jewish compatriots, the exhibition also succeeded in bringing an important part of Finnish history to the attention of the Israeli people.

The tragedy of the holocaust must never be forgotten. Finland is committed to the Declaration of the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust. Finland is now seeking membership in the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research.

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Israel’s recent membership in the OECD further increases our mutual cooperation. Both Finland and Israel have transformed from agrarian societies to front-runners in the world in high technology and innovation within a relatively short period of time. We are pleased that cooperation between private businesses is becoming closer in both countries.

The UN Secretary-General has established the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability to work on a new vision of sustainable growth and well-being. I chair the Panel together with President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma.

Combating climate change is essential for the future of humankind and a common challenge to our countries. Finland wants to be a pioneer in developing clean technologies. We have established the Cleantech Finland brand with the purpose of combining Finnish competence in environmentally sustainable technologies. I believe our countries have excellent opportunities for closer cooperation also in this important field.

I am happy to note that cultural exchange between our countries is lively. Israeli musicians have a devoted audience in Finland. There is also a growing interest in Israel towards Finnish culture. A recent example is the Finnish Film Week organised last spring in major Israeli cities. Works by several modern Finnish writers have been translated into Hebrew in recent years.

Our people are also brought closer by travel. Israel is only four hours flight away from Finland. Around ten thousand Finns visit your country every year. Also Israelis have an increasing interest towards Finland, and are especially keen to experience the exotic winter of our country.

The cooperation between our two countries is strong and growing. Peace will open up more and new opportunities.

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I would like to propose a toast to the health of President Peres, to the prosperity of the people and State of Israel, to peace in the Middle East, and to the current and future relations of our countries. “Le haim!”