Speech by the President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen at the State Luncheon in Wellington, New Zealand, 20 February 2007

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It is a great pleasure for me to be in New Zealand. This is the first state visit of the President of Finland to New Zealand. For me personally, this is the second time I visit your country. I was here in 1999 as the Foreign Minister. Back then I met with your leaders and attended also the 40 years’ anniversary celebrations of the Antarctic Treaty. I feel very much at home here in this country that resembles my country in many respects – despite the enormous distance between us.

Democracy, respect for human rights – including the rights of minorities – and the rule of law form the self-evident foundation of both countries. Social consciousness is also strong in our societies. Social justice is not only right for individuals but it strengthens the cohesion of societies. Finnish system combines the dynamism of the market economy with a strong emphasis on human resources, particularly on education and research, and on social well-being. I strongly believe that our success as a knowledge-based economy is due to the fact that Finland is a so-called "Nordic welfare state".

Gender equality, the welfare society and economic prosperity are closely connected. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give the right to women to vote. Finland was the second country in the world to do the same and the first nation in the world to allow them to also stand for parliamentary election. So, we have been rivals in a very positive competition. Women in Finland have always been deeply involved in promoting issues important for them and in building the Finnish welfare society. Full participation of women is not only right in terms of equality but also doubles the resources of the society.

The Finnish Parliament celebrated its 100 anniversary last summer, and it was a great pleasure for us that the Speaker of this Parliament, Ms. Margaret Wilson, participated in our festive event.

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The relations between New Zealand and Finland are excellent – but we could still deepen our cooperation in many sectors. We have very similar views on global challenges and we support multilateralism.

New Zealand – a party to the Kyoto Protocol like all the EU Member States – is among the leading states in the combat of climate change and pollution. Climate change is probably the greatest threat mankind is facing today. International cooperation and common efforts are absolutely necessary to fight against global warming and its disastrous consequences. Therefore – of course – also energy issues are high on the international agenda.

New Zealand's active and constructive role in the Pacific Islands Forum illustrates your commitment to this region. During the recent Finnish EU Presidency some crises erupted in the South Pacific region. We appreciated a lot your valuable expertise and advice on these matters.

The ministerial consultations between the Foreign Ministers of Finland and New Zealand, as well as with the European Union troika, were organised in Helsinki last September. The consultations were successful and reconfirmed the commitment of both sides to international peace and stability. Minister Winston Peters' visit to Finland gave a positive boost to our bilateral relations. I am happy that Minister Peters also took some time to visit Lapland to learn more about the indigenous people of Finland, the Sami.

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As a small nation Finland can compete only with quality. This requires both skills and creativity, which is also the key message contained in our national globalization strategy. Finland is close to the top in many international rankings – for example for competitiveness, environmental sustainability, technology, industry-science relations and research and development expenditure. According to the OECD’s Pisa study – which monitors results in education – our youngsters do very well at school. But everyone must be prepared to brush up their education; that is why lifelong learning has been given a special focus in our country. The challenge is to keep up the joy of learning, which is a precondition for successful lifelong learning process for everyone.

Innovation and internationalisation also are at the heart of New Zealand’s Economic Transformation Agenda, the Government’s strategy for securing the nation’s future prosperity and its unique economic identity.

I think that increasing cooperation between Finland and New Zealand in science, research and development, as well as in the areas of technology and innovation would benefit both countries. I am happy that a high level innovation delegation has travelled with me to New Zealand. The members of this team held a seminar in Auckland yesterday together with their counterparts from New Zealand. I hope that this kind of cooperation will continue in the future. Good examples already exist - in the field of forestry technology our companies and institutions have been working together since the 1950's.

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Contacts between people are valuable in intensifying the relations between countries. Finnish migration since the mid 19th century has brought influences from our country to New Zealand. Immigrants have often upheld some of their Finnish traditions even if they have adapted to the New Zealand way of life. Interaction between younger generations has become easier also through the Working Holiday Visa scheme between our two countries, in effect since 2004. Today New Zealand – with its striking natural beauty – is attracting ever more Finnish tourists. The unique landscape has become more widely known through the world famous movies such as the Piano and the Lord of the Rings.

Thank you very much for your attention.