President Halonen at the ambassador seminar: Foreign policy must be for the long term

Office of the President of the Republic Press Release 26 August 2008

Finland’s foreign policy must continue to be based on long-term efforts and a consensus of policy, said President of the Republic Tarja Halonen, speaking to the heads of diplomatic missions attending the ambassador seminar in Helsinki. President Halonen met the senior diplomats for a discussion session at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday 26 August.

“Government reports on security and defence policy do not give direct answers to issues of day-to-day politics, but the principles entered in them, agreed by consensus, lay the foundation on the basis of which we act and take positions,” said President Halonen. She notes that these principles will remain unchanged in the forthcoming Government report on security and defence policy.

“Our foreign policy will continue to be based on the promoting of stability. We pursue this policy both in bilateral relations and in the context of international organizations. Our foreign policy is value-based; we emphasize the importance of international law and respect for human rights.”

Maintaining a credible military defence is another fundamental policy. “We are one of the few countries in Europe that has the capability to defend its territory with military means. We will not abandon this effort; we will continue to develop our defences further. Changes in the nature of warfare give us cause to review how exactly we need to go about this.”

President Halonen said that Finland will continue to follow a foreign and security policy based on a broad concept of security. This includes not only traditional military and political threats but also ‘new threats’ such as climate change and energy security issues.

President Halonen also commented on the situation in Georgia. According to her, a war in Europe in which a neighbouring country of Finland is participating is a startling occurrence and cause for serious reflection.

“The war in South Ossetia clearly shows that what we call ‘frozen conflicts’ are extremely volatile. Their historical causes are complex, and solving them is extremely difficult — but vital.”

President Halonen noted that Finland’s actions as the holder of the Chairmanship of the OSCE are focused on achieving a ceasefire, providing humanitarian aid, ensuring the withdrawal of troops and emphasizing the importance of international law. “We have managed this well, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to managing the emerging situation. Finland’s foreign policy supports our aims during our Chairmanship of the OSCE, and we will continue to pursue this policy after our Chairmanship has passed.”

In her talk, President Halonen also touched on future challenges facing the European Union and global topics such as climate change, the food crisis and energy security.