Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the banquet in honour of the state visit by President of Singapore S. R. Nathan on 26 October 2010

(check against delivery)

On behalf of myself and my spouse I would like to cordially welcome you to Finland. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for the memorable hospitality during my state visit to Singapore in February 2008. The magnificent orchid that was named after me is flourishing.

The relations between Finland and Singapore are good and without problems. The frequent visits in recent years have strengthened our relationship. Although small in terms of population, both countries are information societies with a high level of expertise.

Mr President, your extensive experience both at the national and international level has earned you a position as a respected opinion-maker in your home country and regionally.

The relations between our countries have been marked by trade and economic cooperation. Singapore is Finland’s main trading partner of the ASEAN countries. Finnish businesses have discovered Singapore; the number of companies in Singapore that are either Finnish or of Finnish origin is currently around seventy. Increased investment in both directions would further enhance our economic cooperation. I hope that trade between our countries will continue to grow and diversify. We are ready to offer Finnish expertise particularly in the cleantech sector.

I am confident that the cooperation we have successfully begun in the fields of research and education can be further deepened. Several delegations from your country have already visited Finland to get acquainted with our reputed education system. We also receive an increasing number of exchange students from Singapore.

The Finnish education system forms part of the Nordic welfare state model, where the dynamics of the market economy are combined with a strong sense of responsibility and social justice. We have created success and welfare by drawing on all available resources – human resources in particular. Our excellent learning results are based on equal opportunities for everyone.

I am confident that Singapore’s multi-ethnic and rich culture has an excellent opportunity of finding an audience in Finland. I hope that more artists from Singapore visit Finland in the future. Finnish music and design also have their devoted fans in Singapore. I am certain there are many opportunities for increasing our mutual cooperation in the field of culture, too.

The Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between the EU and Singapore provides a foundation for the development of political and economic cooperation on a broad front, both bilaterally and in international forums. This will be effectively complemented by the free trade agreement between Singapore and the EU that is currently under negotiation. It is my hope that the negotiations are completed according to plan during the summer of 2011. This would also create new opportunities for cooperation between our countries.

Singapore has an active role in the region. I have followed with interest the development of ASEAN and the deepening of regional integration. The new Charter offers an opportunity for the further development of the organisation in several fields. The direction is clear, progress will be achieved through patience. For example, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights is a welcome first step towards a regional framework for the protection of human rights. As a member of the EU, Finland is highly interested in the development in this area in the ASEAN countries.

Singapore also has significant merit in building cooperation on a larger scale in the Far East and the Pacific region. As an active member of ASEAN, Singapore has promoted closer economic relations in the region as well as the political dialogue among the major powers of East Asia.

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The current era of globalization stresses the importance of a global forum, the United Nations. Both Singapore and Finland work actively towards improving the position of the UN and supporting the process to reform the organisation.

The activeness of small countries is often in great demand. I myself have accepted the task of co-chairing the UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability with the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma. Established by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Panel focuses on sustainable development especially from the perspective of climate change.

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I am confident that this visit will contribute to promoting the relations between our countries and strengthen cooperation in several sectors. I sincerely hope that your visits to Finnish businesses and to the city of Turku will prove rewarding in more ways than one.

Mr President, I would like to propose a toast to you and your spouse, to the happiness and success of the people of Singapore and to the fruitful cooperation between our countries.