President Halonen: Finland and Chile have a lot in common

President of the Republic of Chile Michelle Bachelet was on a state visit to Finland from 29 to 30 May 2007. The official reception ceremonies and discussions with President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen were held at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday 29, May 2007. At a joint press conference after the talks, President Halonen said that Chile and Finland have a lot in common. “Especially for the small countries, it is important that the countries and their economies succeed in globalisation. But it is equally important to strengthen democracy and social justice universally”.

President Bachelet and President Halonen at a joint press conference. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

According to President Halonen, Finland and Chile have chosen a similar path, in which economical competitiveness and social justice are in balance. The secret of Finnish success in three words is: ”educación, educación, educación”, President Halonen said. Lifelong learning is also a challenge in Finland.

Between Chile and Finland, there are further possibilities for cooperation in the fields of education, social, environment and information technology. President Halonen also hoped that Finland and Chile could act as catalysing powers in the relations between the European Union and Latin America.

The situation in Venezuela is concerning

At the press conference, President Halonen also commented on the situation in Cuba and Venezuela. According to her, the ongoing challenge for the international community is to balance between criticism and encouragement: “I believe that we have to be firm and encouraging”.

According to President Bachelet, Chile can be an example for the Latin America in showing the way to open society and open economy. “I believe that our role as Chileans is to demonstrate that economic growth is possible with social justice and a democratic government”.

President Bachelet emphasized at the press conference that for Chile freedom of expression is first and foremost and Chile is observing the situation in Venezuela. “We are very concerned about the restrictions in freedom of expression”.

President Bachelet also met Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, Speaker of the Parliament Sauli Niinistö, as well as representatives of Finnish business community.

Speech by President Halonen at the state banquet for the President of Chile