President Halonen in Mongolia: Finnish model generates interest

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

The Nordic welfare state model and the promotion of the status of women attracted a great deal of interest in Mongolia, where President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi were on a state visit during 30 August – 1 September 2011. President Halonen held bilateral talks with President of Mongolia Tsakhia Elbegdorj on Wednesday, 31 August. Topics included the development of bilateral relations, democracy and the rule of law, as well as current international and regional affairs.

According to President Elbegdorj, Mongolia stands to learn from Finland’s experiences in social development. President Elbegdorj voiced his appreciation for President Halonen’s active approach to social issues and for her work towards promoting human rights, the rule of law, equality and sustainable development. Finland is also considered to be an interesting partner in modern technology across various sectors.

According to President Halonen practical cooperation will be successful as long as the parties have shared values. “It all comes down to democracy, human rights, welfare, infrastructure. If we agree on the big questions, there is nothing preventing broader cooperation at the practical level,” President Halonen said.

During the visit President Halonen also met the Mongolian Prime Minister, the Minister of Social Welfare and Labour, the Chairman of the Parliament and representatives of the Human Rights Commission. The programme included a visit to Gandan Monastery and an introduction to Mongolian folklore. President Halonen also inaugurated a geological laboratory established in cooperation with the Geological Survey of Finland.

The visit by President Halonen was the first high-level visit to Mongolia from the Nordic countries. Mongolian President Elbegdorj visited Finland in autumn 2010.
The President was accompanied by Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb and a delegation of Finnish business executives.

Increasing interest among Finnish businesses

President Halonen said that the state visits have served to deepen the relations between Finland and Mongolia. Commercial interest towards Mongolia is also on the increase in Finland. “Social and economic developments in Mongolia have made significant advances in recent years, turning your country and businesses into attractive partners, not only for Finns but for many other countries,” President Halonen said in her opening speech at a seminar on the economic relationships of Mongolia and Finland in Ulan Bator.

“Mongolia’s rich natural resources offer excellent opportunities for economic growth. However, we all know that economic growth by itself is not enough. Social stability, safety and well-being are based on the respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We should also not forget that we must operate within the planetary boundaries,” President Halonen pointed out in her speech.

Although trade between Finland and Mongolia has been insignificant until recently, Finnish businesses are now expressing increasing interest towards Mongolia. Spurred by its booming mining sector, Mongolia has witnessed strong economic growth throughout the new millennium, with annual growth in the next few years forecast to reach more than 10 per cent. In the next ten years the country is expected to be among the fastest-growing countries.

The challenge facing Mongolia is the overburdening of natural resources and the environment. The country is therefore interested in the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. There is equally a demand for Finnish expertise in energy- and raw material efficiency in accordance with principles of sustainable development and for Finland’s experience in economic and social development.

The companies of the business delegation represent Finnish expertise in mining and metallurgy, water supply, sewage and heat supply, telecommunications and environmental technology, transport infrastructure and health care. The business delegation is chaired by Harri Kerminen, President and CEO of Kemira.

Pictures