It is a great pleasure and honour to be the first Finnish President to make an official visit to Mongolia. I would like to thank you, President Elbegdorj, for this unique opportunity to visit your country. The initiative for intensifying our relations came from you, Mr President, and you visited Finland last autumn. We now have the opportunity to continue our talks on several topics of mutual interest to our countries.
The history of contacts between our two countries extends far beyond the past few years. The foundation for our relations was laid more than a hundred years ago by Finnish linguist and explorer Gustaf J. Ramstedt, who made several expeditions to Central Asia and Mongolia between 1898 and 1912. It is rumoured that his command and profound knowledge of the Mongolian language convinced the local population that a Mongol’s soul had mistakenly ended up in the body of a Finn. To we Finns, his experiences have been revealed through the books that have been written about his travels.
The interaction between our countries was made official through the establishment of diplomatic relations nearly 50 years ago. In recent years the relations of Finland and Mongolia have advanced by giant leaps. It is fair to say that an identical rail gauge is no longer the only thing in common between Finland and Mongolia.
An extremely interesting example of our cooperation is the recently launched project in reindeer husbandry. We are happy to work with you in helping the Tsaatan minority of North Mongolia to retain their traditional livelihood. In Finland we have wanted to foster the right of our indigenous population, the Sami, to their native language and traditional livelihoods.
The mining sector and your valuable mineral reserves are the foundation of the Mongolian economy. Finland has long traditions in the mining industry. The metals and metal processing industries in particular have occupied significant roles in Finland’s economic development since the 1950s, helping to forge Finland’s top expertise in the field.
The Geological Survey of Finland and the Central Geological Laboratory of Mongolia have been cooperating now for over two years. Tomorrow I will have the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of the renewed laboratory. In addition to Finnish mining industry companies attracted by the development of the Mongolian mining sector and geological research, I am also accompanied on this visit by businesses from other sectors. It is my hope that this visit will be a fruitful opportunity for them to find business partners. I am confident that Finnish businesses have a great deal to offer Mongolia across a number of sectors.
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The rich natural reserves of Mongolia have a vital role in the future and welfare of the country. You, Mr President, and the Mongolian government have made it your priority to ensure that the wealth and prosperity produced by the mining industry is distributed evenly, benefiting the people and society as a whole.
I am pleased that this visit allows us to continue our talks on the challenges facing democratic states in an era of globalisation that places great importance on the development of the rule of law and good governance. These principles are the foundation of Finland’s social system – the Nordic welfare society model. We will be more than happy to share our experiences and to cooperate with you on these issues.
Mongolia currently holds the Presidency of the Community of Democracies. It is very good that during your Presidency you have chosen to highlight democracy education, the development of civil society, and the exchange of experiences with other developing democracies.
Your country has been active in extending its contacts beyond its neighbouring regions, and you have also shown initiative towards the European Union. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement negotiations progressed swiftly, with the agreement due to be signed later this autumn. The Agreement will increase and deepen cooperation between Mongolia and the EU, while also forming an excellent framework for bilateral cooperation.
In the context of international cooperation and the United Nations, Mongolia has particularly become known in the combat against climate change, and for its active participation in peacekeeping in the hotspots of the world. These are topics that Finland, too, deems highly important.
Achieving sustainable development is our common global challenge. Although the goal is an ambitious one, it is paramount for the future of our planet that we achieve it. This topic is particularly relevant for me, as I am currently co-chairing the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability appointed by the UN Secretary-General. The task of this Panel, to put it briefly, is to draw up a model for development that is economically and environmentally sustainable and socially just. It is my hope that Mongolia and Finland can cooperate for the achievement of this objective.
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This year is an important anniversary for Mongolia, marking not only 90 years of independence and 50 years of UN membership, but also a 2 200 year old tradition of national statehood.
It gives me great pleasure to be involved in building a stronger bridge between our two countries. I would like to conclude by extending my warmest thanks for your hospitality to you, President Elbegdorj, to your spouse, and to all those who took part in making this visit possible, and by wishing success and prosperity to you and the people of Mongolia.