President of Singapore visiting Finland

President of Singapore S R Nathan and President Tarja Halonen. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

President of Singapore S. R. Nathan and spouse were on a state visit to Finland during 24–29 October 2010. The reception ceremony and official talks with President of the Republic Tarja Halonen took place at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 26 October.

In addition to bilateral relations, Presidents Halonen and Nathan discussed regional development. Topics included China and India as well as the political and economic development of Asian countries on a general level. The Presidents also discussed the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Indonesia.

At the press conference President Halonen pointed out the excellent placement of Finland and Singapore in international comparisons in terms of education and competitiveness. “We are both interested in high tech and in clean tech, and we are working for sustainable development. We have all the reasons, also in the future, to work closely with each other,” President Halonen said.

Interregional cooperation

According to President Halonen the European Union is interested in cooperation with both Singapore and the ASEAN. “Our bilateral meeting is also a demonstration of interregional cooperation,” said President Halonen.

According to President Nathan the relations between the countries are excellent. There are over 70 companies operating in Singapore that are either Finnish or of Finnish origin. For most of them, Singapore is the centre of operations in Southeast and East Asia. Singapore is also Finland’s main trading partner of the ASEAN countries.

“We have common interests in our social policies and in education, and we seek collaboration with the Finnish public and private institutions,” said President Nathan and encouraged Finnish businesses to exploit the development of Southeast Asia. “I hope you come to Singapore and convince us.”

Slightly more competitive

President Halonen confessed that Singapore might know slightly more about competitiveness than Finland: Singapore placed third in the survey of the World Economic Forum and Finland “only” seventh.

President Nathan also met President Martti Ahtisaari, the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi and Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb. He also familiarised himself with Finnish businesses and visited the city of Turku.

President Halonen made a state visit to Singapore in February 2008 as part of a visit to three countries in Southeast Asia.

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