President of Georgia visits Finland

President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia made an official visit to Finland on 10-12 October. Reception ceremonies and official discussions with President of the Republic Tarja Halonen took place at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 11 October. Discussions focused on bilateral relations between Finland and Georgia, regional issues and cooperation within the framework of international bodies such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). At a joint press conference President Halonen drew attention to the Finnish Chairmanship of the OSCE next year and said that this will be a priority in relations between Finland and Georgia. President Halonen particularly wanted to introduce Ambassador Terhi Hakala, who has been chosen to serve as head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia beginning on 15 October.

President Halonen and President Saakashvili waved to the public from the balcony of the Presidential Palace. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

"During our Chairmanship we want to develop and help the region and the entire international community," President Halonen said. "We are very pragmatic and not overly poetical. We hope that cooperation will go well."

According to President Halonen, Finland has had good relations with Georgia for a long time. "We are now in a position to deepen relations. Finns are familiar with the fine art, good wine and other things for which Georgia is known."

Georgia looking forward to the Finnish Chairmanship

President Saakashvili noted that Georgia has high hopes for the Finnish Chairmanship of the OSCE. He also praised the Finnish Presidency of the EU in the second half of last year and particularly its handling of relations with Russia.

"The Lahti Summit definitely helped calm the situation in Georgia, and Finland played a big role in this," he said. "We welcome the appointment of Ambassador Terhi Hakala. She knows the compexities and peculiarities of the region and the situation. We need someone who has the passion to change things and the competence to do so."

During the visit Finland and Georgia signed a treaty to prevent double taxation. Both countries considered this important to promote business cooperation.

President Saakashvili also met Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and representatives of the City of Helsinki and gave a lecture at the Paasikivi Society. On Friday, 12 October President Saakashvili attended a Finnish-Georgian business seminar and visited the Åland Islands, which have autonomous status.

Speech by President Halonen at the Banquet for the Official Visit of President of Georgia