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The President of the Republic of Finland: Speeches and Interviews

The President of the Republic of Finland
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Speeches, 9/8/2011

Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the banquet in honour of the Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer on 8 September 2011

(check against delivery)

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Finland. Your visit brings back memories of the friendliness and warm hospitality my husband and I have always been able to enjoy during our visits to Austria, most recently in December last year.

Mr President, you have many friends in Finland, some of whom are present here today. You have close and long-time ties to the Nordic countries also through your family. You and I, too, have known each other for decades. I greatly value our friendship. We are able to discuss all matters openly. The same spirit of mutual trust and respect exists between our countries.

The paths of Austria and Finland have crossed several times in recent history. In 1955, we became members of the United Nations at the same time. Forty years later, in 1995, Austria and Finland joined the European Union together. EU membership has further tightened our cooperation. Our two countries are closer than ever. Together we belong in the group of European countries that are both EU members and cooperating with NATO.

We share common values and similar priorities. Strengthening of human rights, democracy and the rule of law plays a key role in the foreign and security policy of our countries. It is therefore only natural that Finland and Austria cooperate closely on international fora.

Multilateral cooperation is valued by both countries. We appreciate the role of the United Nations as a global organisation. Austria and Finland are also closely involved in the work of European organisations – the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Our two countries stress the importance of conflict prevention and crisis management. Within the European Union, both Finland and Austria support the strengthening of the EU’s role in external relations.

Europe is more than the European Union. Finland and Austria are actively working within the Council of Europe to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law on our continent. And our responsibility does not end with Europe. I am aware of the interest you and your spouse share for the enhancing of human rights, democracy, international interaction and tolerance.

The globalization process has emphasised the importance of global themes in international politics. The future of the Earth and humankind are fundamentally dependent on sustainable development. I am confident that Finland and Austria can make valuable contribution to guaranteeing sustainable development.

The relations between Finland and Austria are excellent. We have lively and close interaction. Austria and Austrian culture is well-known in Finland. Your country is also a popular travel destination among Finnish people. Austria is perhaps best known in Finland for the Four Hills Tournament and the Vienna New Year’s Concert, which are an essential part of New Year traditions for many families in Finland.

Austria is renowned for its music. Austrian and Finnish people share a love for music. I am delighted that Finnish music from Sibelius to Saariaho has found its way into the concert halls of your country. I hope your visit tomorrow to Turku, one of the European Capitals of Culture this year, will leave you with a multifaceted picture of Finnish culture.

This state visit serves to further strengthen and diversify the ties between Austria and Finland. Mr President, dear friend, allow me to propose a toast to you and your spouse, to the happiness of the Austrian people, and to the fruitful cooperation between our countries.
 

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Updated 9/8/2011

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