ASEM gathered European and Asian leaders to Helsinki

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen gave the opening address at the opening ceremony of the ASEM6 Summit (the Asia-Europe Meeting) at the Helsinki Fair Centre on Sunday September 10. In her opening address, President Halonen noted that in ten years, ASEM has become a central forum for co-operation and dialogue between Asian and European countries.

President Halonen, Prime Minister of China, Wen Jiabao, and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. Photo: Lehtikuva

“The partnership has resulted in broader political dialogue, stronger economic relations, as well as deeper co-operation in the field of social affairs and cultural exchanges. We have been able to exchange views in an open and straightforward manner even on sensitive issues. I hope that this will be the atmosphere here in Helsinki as well”, President Halonen said.

President Halonen emphasized the multilateral cooperation and the role of the UN in addressing common challenges. According to her, globalisation offers great opportunities, but its benefits are unfairly spread today. “That is why we need to focus on the social dimension of globalisation and on poverty reduction. ASEM can effectively contribute to reforming globalisation fairer.”

In addition, President Halonen reminded that ASEM is not only about institutions or administrations; it is also about people. “ASEM helps create closer partnerships between parliaments, businesses, trade unions, non-governmental organisations, and also between ordinary citizens. All these partnerships are needed for the creation of a better and safer world. Therefore, we must see them as important and integral part of our co-operation.”

President Jacques Chirac of France and President Halonen at the courtyard of the Presidential Palace on 10 September. Photo: Lehtikuva

Focus on globalisation

The two-day ASEM Summit was attended by 38 countries and the representatives of the European Union. The Summit focused on ways of responding to the challenges of globalisation. The issues on the agenda included global security threats, dialogue between cultures and civilizations and competitiveness. Finland was represented by a delegation appointed by the Finnish President and headed by the Finnish Prime Minister, Mr. Matti Vanhanen.

On Sunday evening, President Halonen hosted a working dinner at the President’s Palace for leaders of the delegations, during which there were discussion of topical regional issues. President Halonen underlined in her opening address that multilateral cooperation is also a vital means to tackle regional issues. According to her, it is very important that women are more actively involved in peace building processess.

On Saturday September 9, President Halonen and her husband, Dr Pentti Arajärvi, gave a reception at the President’s official residence, Mäntyniemi, for delegation leaders and their spouses already in Helsinki. This reception was attended by Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, and Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as well as many other European and Asian heads of state and government.

President Halonen and Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi on 10 September. Photo: Lehtikuva

Two state visits to Finland were made in conjunction with the ASEM Summit. South Korean President, Roh Moo-hyun, Finland arrived for a state visit on September 7 and this visit continued after the Summit. Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, arrived for a state visit on Tuesday September 12.

Other events

President Halonen also attended several of the other events held in conjunction with the ASEM Summit. On Friday September 8, she gave a speech at the meeting of representatives of Asian and European labour market organisations, and on Sunday September 10 at the Asia-Europe Business Forum.

In her speech to the business leaders, President Halonen said that the Asia Europe Business Forum has done valuable work over the past ten years. “This period has seen a considerable change in challenges and in problems. Restrictions and barriers to trade are nowadays mainly domestic, less tariffs and quotas, more “behind the border” –issues. The overall volume of trade and investments has increased many times over.” President Halonen also highlighted the importance of ASEM cooperation: “Our continents are linked by a number of challenges and opportunities. The importance of ASEM cooperation is that it provides a forum for exchanging ideas.”

ASEM 6 website

Opening address by President Halonen at the Opening Ceremony: "Celebration of Ten Years of ASEM"

Speech by President Halonen at the opening of the Asia Europe Business Forum

Speech by President Halonen at a conference of the Korea-Finland Economic Council