Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a gala dinner hosted by President of Syria Bashar al-Assad and Mrs Asma al-Assad on 22 October 2009

(check against delivery)

On behalf of myself and my husband, I would like to warmly thank you and your wife for the invitation to visit your country, whose rich history and culture have always interested us Finns. The friendly and open discussions that we have conducted have provided us with a better understanding of also present-day Syria and current development in the Middle East region.

The relations between our two countries are without problems, and we have excellent grounds for further expanding our mutual interaction. There are many prospects for developing our economic and trade relations – especially in the areas of energy and environment. Finland and Syria, as well as other countries, are searching for cooperation opportunities that would enable us to respond more effectively to the challenges of climate change and to promote sustainable development.

I am pleased that the new premises of the Finnish Institute in Damascus, which were opened last year, provide opportunities to enhance scientific, linguistic and cultural cooperation between our countries. The Institute is located in the Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dialogue between different cultures and religions that has evolved there over many millennia has borne beautiful fruit. This helps us understand that diversity is richness and encourages everyone to promote tolerance.

In the European Union, Finland has actively worked to strengthen all aspects of cooperation between Syria and the EU. I visited Syria twice ten years ago – first I made a visit as Foreign Minister and then accompanied President Ahtisaari on his visit – at the time, Finland held the EU Presidency.

We can note with satisfaction that relations between Syria and the EU have moved forward considerably in recent years. I hope that the decision to sign the EU-Syria Association Agreement will be made soon. This Agreement gives the EU and Syria tools to handle questions ranging from economic cooperation to the promotion of the rule of law and human rights through a continuous and constructive dialogue.

In a changing world, the environment in which Finnish-Syrian relations operate is expanding. It is important that we develop our cooperation within the framework of the UN as well as on the basis of the EU-Syria Agreement, but we should not either forget the great significance of bilateral relations.

* * *

For her part, Finland has for a long time been working to promote peace in the Middle East. Since the 1950s, we have sent over 20,000 peacekeepers into the region and participated in many key UN-led peacekeeping operations. Tomorrow, I will visit the UNDOF operation in the Golan area and lay a wreath in honour of the Finnish peacekeepers who fell there.

Over the years, the Middle East has experienced many moments of hope, but also conflicts, human suffering and setbacks. An opportunity may now be opening to find a sustainable solution, which would take into consideration the interests and security of all of the region’s states. Everybody should grasp at this chance. At the same time, all should refrain from measures that might harm the peace process. Of vital importance to the peace process is the formation of a Palestinian state, for which all parties of the Middle East Quartet have voiced their support.

Syria plays a key role in the Middle East peace process. It would be impossible to imagine the achievement of comprehensive peace in the region without Syria’s involvement. I am pleased to have the opportunity to visit Syria now, as your nation is strengthening its connections with different countries. I believe that this opening will benefit not only Syria but the development of the entire region.

* * *

I wish you and your wife and family good health and the best of success as well as peace and a happy future for Syria and its people.