Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the banquet hosted by
Serbian President Boris Tadić in honour of the State visit on 31 March 2011

(check against delivery)

On behalf of myself and my husband I would like to warmly thank you for the invitation to visit your country. This first state visit between our two countries is an important step in our relations.

Geographical location at a crossroads of different cultures has characterised the history and culture of both Finland and Serbia. This has brought challenges, but also a lot of possibilities. Our nations share a love for culture and sports. Serbian athletes are well-known also in Finland.

The bilateral relations between Finland and Serbia are good but still too distant. In recent years there has been more interest, visits have become more frequent and new opportunities for co-operation are emerging.

Although our commercial and economic relations remain modest, a number of Finnish companies have already discovered Serbia as a promising market area. For example, there are many opportunities to be availed in the fields of environmental and technological industries. I am confident that progress in Serbia’s EU integration process will open new opportunities for the development of our economic and trade relations.

In the field of culture, there is a great deal of interest in closer exchange. Such interaction between cultural actors is very welcome.

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As Europeans, we are united by a common set of values: democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Finland is pleased to cooperate with Serbia also in international organisations, such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, with the objective of promoting these values.

Finland is traditionally a strong supporter of the EU enlargement and continues to support it on the basis of agreed membership criteria. Finland supports Serbia’s EU accession process, and we are ready for concrete cooperation to support Serbia in fulfilling the membership criteria.

I want to remind you that the accession process is demanding. However, it is in your own interest and it certainly is worthwhile.

In the global world national states are still vital. Good relations with neighbours and regional co-operation are also necessary. Nordic co-operation has traditionally been important for us Finns and it has maintained its significance even during our EU membership. Maybe the Nordic co-operation – and more widely that of the Baltic Sea states – could give inspiration to you too.

Serbia’s constructive role in developing cooperation in its own region is important. Mr President, we greatly appreciate your work in improving relations with your neighbours.

Finland strongly supports the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo initiated last month in Brussels. The European Union is committed to the process. We believe that the dialogue will have a positive impact on Serbia’s EU integration process and on the development of the Western Balkans.

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We can look forward to the future with great expectations. I would like to propose a toast to you and your spouse, to the prosperity of the Serbian people and to the healthy cooperation between our countries.