SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC AT A DINNER HOSTED BY PRESIDENT MANDELA ON 13.5.1997

On behalf of my wife and myself and of all of the rest of us Finns, I wish to express my great pleasure that the first state visit from Finland to a democratic South Africa is taking place. It is not my own first visit, because, as the newly elected President of Finland, I had the opportunity to be here at your historic inauguration three years ago.

It is only now that real interaction between Finland and South Africa has gotten properly under way, at a time when both of our countries have attained a mature age on the journey to independence. Nevertheless, we Finns have not forgotten that South Africa was one of the few members of the League of Nations that gave us tangible help when we became the victims of aggression in 1939. In turn, many Finns supported the South Africans' struggle against apartheid. Therefore, Mr. President, your victory has been a pleasant event for us.

Today, our gaze is focused on the future, on new challenges and overcoming new problems. Finland wishes to have a role in helping South Africa implement her Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). We are also participating in the solidarity work being continued by various civic organisations as well as in the European Union's aid programmes. The new South Africa's cause is also our cause and we will do what we can for regional development. In that segment, South Africa has an important role.

The South African Government's efforts to promote democracy and good administration and to improve the conditions of citizens' lives have made a great impression on me. In world history the order of march has generally been the opposite and room for democracy has begun to be cleared only when circumstances have forced this to be done.

South Africa has gotten straight down to work as a champion of a universal human rights culture and therefore deserves the full support of the international community. We should also understand that the process is long and painful, but your people has already shown itself to be exceptionally forbearing and patient. I believe that the foundation for a new society has been built on solid ground and that the generation now growing up in your country will be able to enjoy its fruits.

My party includes a representative group of leading figures from Finnish industry. Our intention is to work during this trip to further lasting economic ties between our countries. We all know that South Africa has many relative advantages, starting with sunshine and good wines.

It is a great pleasure to visit beautiful Cape Town, which features significantly in your history and will, I believe, continue to point the way in the future.

I wish to propose a toast to the good fortune and success of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa and the whole of Africa.