Translation

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND, MR. MARTTI AHTISAARI
ON A VISIT TO THE FINNISH SEAMEN’S CHURCH IN ROTTERDAM ON 21.1.1999

I am happy to be able to meet so many of my compatriots and friends of Finland during this visit. I know that there are quite a few Finns living here and that therefore it has been possible to invite only some of them to this function.

As you probably know, we flew from Helsinki to the Hague yesterday morning. There we have been guests of the Queen and Prince Claus, have had discussions with Prime Minister Kok and members of parliament, visited several international organisations in the Hague and today we have toured Rotterdam and its enormous port. From here we shall be returning to the Hague to bid farewell to Her Majesty and then we fly back to Helsinki.

This seamen’s church has old traditions. Countless seafarers and casual visitors have found refreshment for their bodies and souls here and, when they needed it, direct help. It has also been of benefit to Finns living in this country by developing into a centre for their collective activities. It addition to its ecclesiastical functions proper, its premises are used for a great variety of secular activities, everything from having a chat in Finnish to cultural events, Saturday school and, not least, enjoying a proper sauna. The attraction right now is Ritva Kovalainen’s exhibition of beautiful photographs, which the Finnish Cultural Centre has brought here to show what is being achieved in the arts in Finland.

It is even more important now than it has been in the past that the work of the church is supported by a solid group of volunteers who devote their time and energy. Without them, this church could not function today. That is one of the realities of our modern era. This firm willingness to work together demonstrates that the Finns here really regard the Seamen’s Church as an important institution.

The Finns in the Netherlands seem to be working together well in other respects, too. The Netherlands-Finnish Association has the quite respectable total of 900 members and its importance as a link between our two countries’ cultures is considerable. I wish the Association continuing success in its work.

Finnish companies have invested quite considerably in the Netherlands and a large number of them either have operations here or are represented by agents. After all, this country has long been one of our major trade partners. Thus the Finland Trade Club performs an important function in facilitating links between both Finns and Dutch people working for the Finnish companies with a presence here.

I have heard that the Finnish organisations here work well not only with each other, but also with representatives of official Finland. That pleases me greatly.

I would like to take this opportunity to note that relations between Finland and the Netherlands are on an excellent footing. Our four-year-old membership of the European Union has undoubtedly given our country a more distinct image in the minds of both the authorities and especially ordinary citizens here. I am confident that our stint in the EU Presidency beginning in July will further enhance the positive image that our country enjoys. For us, the Netherlands is an EU partner of very like mind. Nevertheless, you Finns and friends of Finland still have an important role to play as representatives of our country and propagators of its culture here in the Netherlands.

I wish all of you and the organisations and companies you represent the very best of success. In particular, I wish Pastor Rantanen and his family and the Seamen’s Church workers continuing enthusiasm and energy in their important work.