President of Austria on a state visit to Finland

Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

The Federal President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer and spouse were on a state visit to Finland during 8–9 September 2011. The reception ceremony and official talks with President of the Republic Tarja Halonen took place at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 8 September.

“Finland and Austria are very like-minded on most international issues and share the same approach to society,” said President Halonen at the press conference held after the talks [video recording]. The President stated that it is very important for like-minded countries to engage in open high-level cooperation.

Similar experiences of the EU

The topics of the talks between the Presidents featured bilateral relations and international affairs, including the situation in northern Africa, the West Balkans, sustainable development, and the European Union.

“We have the same birthday, as members of the European Union, and we also have the same experience of the Union,” President Fischer said. According to the President, shared experiences are helpful in addressing problematic issues. “There are many areas in which we can expand our cooperation. There is room for expansion in cultural and economic cooperation.”

Finland’s candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2013–2014 was also discussed. “Austria has already officially decided to support Finnish candidacy,” President Fischer said.

Press interested in collateral

The press was also interested in Finland’s position on the collateral for EU bailout packages. President Halonen said that the Finnish Parliament and Government are in charge of the issue. According to the President, the procedure was already started during the previous Government and has been very consistent. “Finland has clearly stated that we are for the Euro and for consensus decisions, but we have our own understanding of how the issue should be handled.”

According to President Fischer, Finland’s reputation in international cooperation is based on years and even decades of reliable international work. “Such a record cannot be harmed or even scratched by a dispute over economic interests. Finland has made a proposal; Europe has said that we must negotiate. Finland’s reputation is today as good as it was a year ago or ten years ago,” President Fischer said.

On Thursday President Fischer also visited the Finnish Parliament and laid a wreath at Hietaniemi cemetery. On Friday, 9 September President Fischer met Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and attended a seminar on urban development organised by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. President Fischer also visited Turku, one of the European Capitals of Culture 2011, where the programme included cultural events and visits to Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral and the Logomo cultural centre.

• Joint press conference - webcast