In international politics, the past year has offered mainly encouraging events. The summit meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia in Helsinki in 20-21 March was an important milestone from the perspective of developing Europe's new security order.

Yet I cannot present events in the world in bright hues only, however much my natural optimism would incline me to do so also now.

The approaching turn of the millennium raises a need to examine thoroughly the future of the whole of humankind. In this respect, a lot of clouds and insecurity loom on the horizon. Global, stiffening economic competition is inescapable, but, at the same time, as a consequence of this change, we should be able to prevent the emergence of new lines of division in development. In particular, the situation of some African countries is worrying in this epoch of transition. What is certain is that cooperation encompassing the whole international community is needed.

Europe's ability to respond to global challenges will depend decisively on the European Union, and also on its capacity to enlarge. In her two years as a member, Finland has managed to become quite well involved in the work of developing the Union. The EU is an increasingly significant means of fending for ourselves in a changing world.

As a small state, Finland emphasises that the Union must develop balancedly, not on the terms of any one member or any group of members. The Union's strength lies in its diversity, not in homogenisation. It is in the creation of this balance that the whole European integration policy faces its basic challenge.

From the perspective of internal development in Finland, it has been important that economic growth is settling down at quite a high level. However, a profound upheaval in the structure of our economy has meant that unemployment is falling slowly, but nonetheless it is falling.

Finland is developing more and more clearly into an information society. At the same time, the sectors of our industry that have traditionally been strong are revitalising themselves.

Yet, even advanced technology is only a servant not a master. A mobile phone can not compensate for human interaction.

We have gathered at this function this evening for the purpose of maintaining contact with the diplomatic corps.

I greatly appreciate your personal dedication to developing friendly relations between Finland and your own countries. In your work you can count on the support of the Finnish Government and authorities.

While thanking you for your cooperation, I wish on behalf of my wife and myself to propose a toast to the diplomatic corps accredited to Helsinki.