Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a dinner in honour of the President of Ukraine, Victor Yushchenko, on 26 October 2006

My husband and I have great pleasure in welcoming you – President and Mrs Yushchenko – to this banquet during your work-intensive bilateral visit to Finland. Tomorrow you will be participating in the summit between the European Union and Ukraine that Finland has the honour of hosting.

Our already historically good relations are progressing well also today. Trade relations between the two countries are showing a promising increase and the interest in developing them further is mutual. I hope that the business delegation travelling with you has found today’s programme of interest and productive.

Ukraine is known in Finland for its rich history and the wide variety and high quality of its culture. In the field of sports, Ukrainians have done really well. Personally, I am an admirer of rhythmic gymnastics, and remember well the great achievements of your young ladies.

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Finland wishes to collaborate with Ukraine at different international fora in order to promote stability on our continent and to solve global problems. Ukraine has an internationally recognized role as a founding member of the United Nations. Your country is also an important regional actor. As members of the Council of Europe, both Ukraine and Finland are committed to defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has an important part to play in resolving regional questions. You yourself, President Yushchenko, put forward an initiative in spring 2005 to help resolve the Transnistria conflict. As holder of the EU Presidency, Finland appreciates Ukraine’s continuing commitment to resolving this conflict within the OSCE framework.

Finland supports Ukraine’s reform process. We hope that you will continue with determination to implement political and economic reforms in order to develop a stable and prosperous state – the goal you have yourselves set. We Finns value good relations with the neighbouring countries. I am happy to note that Ukraine and Russia, as one of your neighbour, managed to find a solution to open energy issues earlier this week. This will strengthen the confidence in both countries as reliable energy partners within both the European Union and its Member States.

Mr. President, the 'orange revolution' – that you led – made us Finns aware of Ukraine in a new way. In your speeches in Independence Square, you outspokenly embraced the European values. International observers stated that the parliamentary elections in March this year were free and fair. This was defined as a key criterion in developing and deepening the relations between Ukraine and the European Union. A democratic system also requires the implementation of freedom of expression. In order to strengthen people’s confidence in the changes taking place in the political climate, it is important for people to see results in their everyday lives. I believe that elimination of corruption, establishing good, efficient governance and strengthening the principle of the rule of law in a variety of ways will bring the new democratic system and respect for human rights into people’s lives in a concrete manner.

Tomorrow’s summit between the EU and Ukraine provides an opportunity to review the progress made in the past year and to set goals for the future. Our common goal is to start negotiations on a new cooperation agreement, an ‘Enhanced Agreement’, as we call it. The new agreement will further strengthen the relations between the Union and Ukraine. It will offer important and concrete opportunities for integrating Ukraine into the Union’s internal market and for reaching reform goals set by Ukraine herself.

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In this globalized world of ours, nations are highly dependent on each other. This creates stability but at the same time causes uncertainty. The closer the interaction we succeed in achieving between countries and nations, the smaller the risk of various conflicts. The better we know each other, the better we can make use of our cooperation opportunities. Tonight we are gathered here to advance relations between Ukraine and Finland, and have the pleasure of having you as our guests, President and Mrs Yushchenko.

I would like to propose a toast in your honour, to the success and welfare of Ukraine and its people, and to further enhancement of the good relations between Finland and Ukraine.