Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a banquet marking the state visit of President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias on 5 May 2009

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Allow me once again to warmly welcome you, Mr President, and your wife to Finland for this state visit. My husband and I have had the opportunity to visit your country several times and enjoy its beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage. We also remember the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, which were a great success.

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Greece and Finland share excellent relations. We cooperate closely both bilaterally and on European and global issues. We share a commitment to the same fundamental values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. On this basis, we work together in the European Union and have given our support to the Lisbon Treaty.

Our countries are also members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The chairmanship of the OSCE is presently held by Greece, while Finland held the position in the previous year. Our cooperation has been exemplary in relation to this task. Finland also supports the bold efforts of Greece to continue the discourse on questions related to European security within the framework of the OSCE. A speech delivered by President Medvedev at the University of Helsinki two weeks ago contributed to this dialogue.

Our discussions on regional cooperation initiatives, for example on the development of the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions, have been most intriguing. Balancing the interests of business and the environment is a special challenge in our sensitive sea areas. For this question, we are responsible not only to our contemporaries, but also to future generations.

Similar issues are also on the global agenda. Not only must we address the ongoing financial crisis – we must also implement a fairer form of globalisation and curb climate change. Meeting these challenges requires closer international cooperation particularly within the framework of the United Nations.

I know that you, Mr President, are keen on sustainable development. Your speeches have often drawn attention to topical environmental issues as well as to educational and social questions. These are important matters and challenges for us Finns as well. Our cooperation on various education-related issues goes back years. It is my hope that your visit will spur our countries to expand cooperation also into new areas.

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Interest in Greek history, culture and language has long traditions in Finland. The Finnish Institute in Athens is the second-oldest Finnish institute abroad and will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. The academic institute currently operates on a broad front, studying ancient and Byzantine history as well as the Greek language and classical literature.

The friendship societies established to foster links between our countries are also very active. Tourism plays a key role in the interaction between our nations. For decades, Greece has been one of the most important destinations for Finns travelling abroad and now Greek travellers are also beginning to discover Finland. Some 200,000 Finns visit Greece each year, while about 20,000 Greeks come to Finland.

In other words, our citizens share quite a deal of positive interest in one another. This is why I find it surprising that trade between our countries is not any livelier. I believe that this state of affairs can improve. Tomorrow’s business forum here in Helsinki will offer an excellent occasion to make new contacts. I see significant possibilities with cooperation on, for example, environmental cleantech – a key area of expertise for many Finnish companies.

Finland and Greece also share an Orthodox heritage. The small, but active Orthodox Church of Finland has a visible position in Finnish society. Cooperation between the Orthodox Churches of Finland and Greece is close, as evidenced by the fact that Finland was the first foreign country to be visited by the outstanding exhibition of unique items from the Mount Athos monastery in 2006. The Finnish Orthodox community’s relations with the Patriarchate of Constantinople are also close.

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Promoting a dialogue between cultures is important in a globalising world. We must prepare for a future in which our societies are increasingly multicultural. Tolerance and respect for minorities are important values that provide a solid foundation for the peaceful development of society.

Mr President, I would like to propose a toast to you and your wife, to the success of the Greek nation and to the excellent cooperation between our countries.