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Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been a year since we last met in this gathering. Much has happened since then in the global political scene. Changes have occurred in the diplomatic corps, as well. Once more, my warmest welcome to the ambassadors who have only recently begun their assignment in Finland.
During this past year, it has been a privilege to build relations between Finland and many of the countries represented here today. Visits to countries near and far – the furthest of them to China – have been rewarding. I have also had the pleasure of exchanging views with many of your leaders in international summits.
As President, I have done my best to maintain the principle that we must work together with everyone to solve our common problems. Including with those, with whom our opinions differ. That is why we talk about values-based realism.
This has proved to be a principle that yields results. Each meeting, each discussion, each pull-aside has been worthwhile. Each one has helped to increase our understanding of each other.
Dear Ambassadors,
In international fora, it is clear that Finland’s attention has been focused on how to end Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. Ukraine wants peace, Europe wants peace, the United States wants peace. We are still waiting to see in clear and concrete terms if Russia also wants peace.
Before anything else, we must stop the fighting. For that, an unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite. Only after that can serious and verifiable negotiations on a peace agreement begin.
Peace is never easy. The support of the international community will be essential. Support to peace, support to international law, support to the principles of the UN Charter.
These principles are equally essential in any part of the world. In Gaza, in Sudan. In smaller conflicts, in full-blown wars.
In recent times, we have witnessed a shift from a rules-based order to competition between superpowers in the economic sphere, as well. Geoeconomics has become an accustomed part of the international environment we live in.
Foreign policy is never static. There is no going back to the way things were. For Finland, as part of the European Union, the position is clear: we all benefit from free trade. We must remain calm as the world is shifting, and we must continue to engage.
Excellencies,
The past year has once again demonstrated the importance of diplomacy in its many forms. In Finland, sauna diplomacy is an established practice, but now, it has taken on a whole new meaning. For the first time ever, we will see a Finnish sauna on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest, representing – Sweden.
Golf diplomacy is another form of diplomacy practiced by many of you. As you know, I used to play a bit myself. My father once told me that even if I do not become a professional, golf will be useful for me later in life. I must admit I did not have much confidence in his words at the time. Little did I know.
Diplomacy takes many forms. Through saunas, through golf. But the main thing is to build relationships. To build trust. The more traditional methods such as visits, phone calls and meetings are still necessary.
I wish to encourage you, Excellencies, to continue to engage. Engage with the Finnish political leadership, with business, with the society. Every encounter improves understanding, and understanding one another is what we need today.
Thank you.
