Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a banquet hosted by President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy on 7 September 2010

(check against delivery)

On behalf of my husband and for my own part I would like to thank you warmly, Mr President, for the invitation to visit your country. Almost exactly two years ago you paid a visit to Finland. Today, like then, our discussions were very rewarding and interesting.

My husband and I are delighted to be in Italy again. Your beautiful country, exquisite culture and lovely people always make a big impression on us.

Geographically our countries are located on opposite edges of Europe. Interaction is nevertheless quite lively. Cultural exchange is also extensive. For myself the visit of Palermo's Teatro Massimo at the Savonlinna Opera Festival was a memorable experience for all of us. Music is indeed one of the factors that connect our nations.

Italy is a founding member of the European Union. Rome also plays a role in the history of the birth of the European Union as a result of the founding treaty of the European Economic Community, which was signed in Rome in 1957. You, Mr President, are known and respected for your work on behalf of European integration.

Finland joined the European Union 15 years ago - how time flies. Membership has increased our countries' day-to-day dealings among political decision-makers as well as citizens. During this time the EU has enlarged and changed considerably. I hope that after the big wave of enlargement the European Union will maintain its feeling of solidarity.

We Europeans are linked especially by values: human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Finland and Italy actively promote these values in the European Union, the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

The Lisbon Treaty creates a new and effective framework for a stronger EU. At the same time the Union now has a special opportunity to develop the management of its external relations and become a strong international actor.

In multilateral cooperation as well, Finland and Italy are striving to promote peace, security, sustainable development and human rights. Major global challenges, such as climate change and economic, food and energy crises, require international cooperation. Climate negotiations must be continued with determination so that the conferences that are held this year and next year can make progress towards a new global agreement.

Internationalism has been familiar to Italians throughout the ages. Today as well the FAO and many international organizations have their headquarters in your country. In the area of human rights I have greatly admired your country's determination in working to abolish the death penalty around the world.

As you know, I face an interesting but challenging task now that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited me to co-chair a High-level Panel on Global Sustainability together with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. Our objective is to come up with new ideas so that the international community can respond better to the challenges of increasing environmental problems and promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

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Bilateral relations between Finland and Italy are excellent. Italy has traditionally been among Finland's top ten trade partners and is presently ninth. We thus have a strong basis for further developing our relations.

Finns started coming to Italy in the 15th century, when the first Finns arrived in your country to study. Among Finnish artists Italy has been popular for centuries because of its unique art treasures. Today Italy is known in Finland as a tourist destination that has plenty to offer friends of history, culture and architecture. About 200,000 Finns visit your country each year. More and more Italian tourists are also coming to Finland nowadays.

Interaction and dealings between civic organizations and in the field of culture are broad-based and established. The Finnish Institute for Classical Studies in Rome (Villa Lante) and the Italian Cultural Institute in Helsinki have performed valuable work. I am pleased that tomorrow evening we will have a chance to get together with old and new friends at Villa Lante.

In developing our relations it helps that many Italian universities offer courses in Finnish language and culture. Similarly Finland still has plenty of students who are eager to learn Italian, including myself in my younger years. Italian culture and history are subjects of lively interest in Finland.

Finnish architecture and design are known and respected in your country. I remember well how you, Mr President, expressed interest in learning more about Alvar Aalto's life work during your visit to Finland. Now we in turn are visiting Lucca and Pisa, where we can take a closer look at Italian architecture.

Finland has also gained a reputation in Italy for its success in different international comparisons. Our education system and Nordic welfare state attract attention. Gender equality and women's significant role in decision-making are also an important part of Finland's image in Italy.

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Although relations between our nations are already excellent, I believe that we still have possibilities to develop our cooperation on the global level, in Europe and bilaterally. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance on the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, which you will celebrate next year.

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Mr President, allow me to propose a toast to you and your wife and to wish your nation a successful future.