Translation

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT MARTTI AHTISAARI AT A BANQUET
HOSTED BY PRESIDENT MILAN KUCAN OF SLOVENIA
AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN LJUBLJANA ON 9.12.1998

Finland and Slovenia have experienced this century from different edges of Europe. Both countries know far too well that the history of our continent is full of recurring conflicts, crises and wars. The fate of small countries has been to adapt to great changes to the best of their ability. This has demanded faith in one’s own people and culture, a belief in their right to exist and their flexibility. Small countries do not succeed with the aid of power, but rather through skill, wisdom and diligence.

National awakening was strong in both Finland and Slovenia in the aftermath of Europe’s "mad year" 1848. Finland was then an autonomous grand-duchy under the Czar of Russia and Slovenia part of Austria-Hungary. It was only decades later, in 1917, that Finland gained independence. Force of circumstances meant that your country had to wait even longer for independence, despite the fact that the first political programme for a united Slovenia had been drafted already in the mid-19^th century.

As a consequence of the ending of the Cold War, the internal situation in Yugoslavia changed rapidly. The country’s federal structure proved to be an artificial political system. Slovenia declared independence on 25 June 1991. This was followed by a brief war. Fortunately, it was ended without greater bloodshed and the Yugoslav Army withdrew. In the peace negotiations, your role, Mr. President, was central. On the foundation of the peace thereby achieved, Slovenia could embark on her history as an independent state.

Slovenia’s emergence as an independent state and the strengthening of your national identity have been followed with great interest and admiration in Finland. I have myself noticed and heard from my Slovene friends how the opportunities that have opened up since the end of the Cold War have been availed of in your country. Your economy has been put in good shape. Your preparedness for membership of the European Union is improving as your administrative sector and economy strengthen.

I am convinced that in the historical writings of the future Finland and Slovenia will be recorded among the success stories. Something that our countries have in common is that despite a difficult geopolitical situation and severe trials we have been able to preserve our own identity, culture and language. We can look to the future and participate actively in European cooperation. It is important for us to ensure that in the Europe of the future also small countries will be able to make their voices heard wherever decisions affecting their prosperity and security are being made.

Even small countries can have an important contribution to make to our collective security. Something that in my view has been well understood in Slovenia is how central a role your country can play in dealing with the situation in the Balkans. You have solid expertise in relation to the region and the opportunity, in cooperation with the EU and your neighbours and - as it were - occupying a close vantage point from which to observe events, to work to develop matters in the right direction.

In an integrating Europe, harmonising the goals and working methods of the various partners is not easy. For small countries, especially, it is a severe test of their ability to stretch their political, economic and administrative resources. In Finland’s experience, however, the gain from cooperation is considerably greater than the sacrifices made to facilitate it. After all, we are to a growing degree part of the same European economy. We need shared efforts to cope with the challenges of the future.

It is obvious that Finland and Slovenia will be cooperating closely through the European Union over the next few years, especially in the latter half of next year, when Finland will for the first time hold the Presidency. Contacts are already lively. Visits between our countries have increased gratifyingly this year. We also believe that Finland’s quite recent experience of pre-accession negotiations will be of use to Slovenia in your own negotiations. We are prepared to continue to share our experience with you.

We are certain that Slovenia’s application for EU membership will enjoy at least as much success as Slovenian skis have done. Indeed, Finnish ski jumpers have won gold Olympic medals using skis made in your country. In other respects, too, we Finns have warm memories of Slovenia: our most successful ski jumper Matti Nykänen still holds the world record that he set in the classical style in Planica. Thus there is a proud tradition of Fenno-Slovene achievement, and we shall be pleased if we are able to continue cooperation also in other spheres of life.

Small countries often have to struggle to make themselves visible internationally. For Finns and Slovenes, sport has been among the most effective ways of gaining a reputation and esteem. I wish to convey my warmest congratulations to Leon Stukelj, who won two gold medals at the 1924 Paris Olympics, and whose 100^th birthday has just been celebrated here. The Paris Olympics were equally unforgettable for Finland, because our greatest sports hero Paavo Nurmi was then at the peak of his career and, like his contemporary Stukelj, earned his country fame and prestige.

Sport has taught Finns and Slovenes the importance of fair and righteous competition. Our compatriots have been able to pit their skills against each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We Finns have now decided to put in a bid to arrange the Winter Olympics in 2006. I believe that Helsinki has a good chance of winning, even though we are in select company.

Links between us have increased also in the sphere of culture. I have been pleased to note that a considerable body of Finnish literature has been translated into Slovenian. Something that I especially want to mention is the recent publication in your language of our national epic the Kalevala. I am looking forward with great interest to tomorrow’s visit to the house where your national poet France Prešeren was born.

Your country has much to give us. My earlier visits have left me with a picture of Slovenia as a country of outstanding natural beauty. Now that perception has been further strengthened. Tomorrow I shall have an opportunity to see the district around Ljubljana. I understand well why the Finns are discovering Slovenia as a holiday destination. The lofty Alps together with the splendour of the Mediterranean are a combination that leaves an indelible impression on people from a northern country. I hope that Finland’s forests, lakes, arctic fells and Baltic archipelago will be able to offer many Slovenes a similar experience.

Mr. President,

Let me express my best thanks for all of the hospitality accorded me on this my first official visit to your country. Thanks also for the fruitful discussions that we have conducted today. I wish to propose a toast to your health, the success of your people and to Fenno-Slovene friendship.