I would like to
express my pleasure and satisfaction that this
long-planned visit is now taking place. Its
significance is underlined by the fact that it has
been 28 years since the President of the Republic of
Finland last visited Turkey. I refer to President
Urho Kekkonen's state visit in June 1971. You
yourself as Prime Minister signed the Final Act of
the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
in Helsinki in August 1975. President Korutürk made
a state visit to Finland in April 1977.
On behalf of both
Finland and the European Union I would also like to
express thanks to the hosts of the summit of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
for a successful summit and excellent arrangements.
Your country has been
struck by tragic earthquakes in recent months. On
behalf of Finland and the European Union and for my
own part I would like to express my deepest sympathy
for the loss of thousands of lives and for the damage
caused by the earthquakes. We want to assist you in
repairing the material and spiritual damage caused by
these catastrophes.
I am glad to note that
relations between our countries are good and are
based on cooperation. This is a good foundation to
build on - politically, economically and culturally.
I am convinced that we have much to offer each other.
Today's discussions have further strengthen this
view.
The mutual feeling
between our countries and nations has been influenced
to an exceptional degree by a book which was
published in Turkey in 1925, entitled "The Land
of the White Lilies - Finland" (Ak zambaklar
ülkesinde - Finlandiya). This book was marketed in
its original form as a textbook for all citizens.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk went even further and made it
compulsory reading in military schools.
The introduction
states that the book describes, using literary means,
how progress was made in education and culture in the
young Finnish nation; the role played by schools, the
army, the state and religion in this development; the
meaning of democracy; how an entire nation can be
educated; the significance of leading individuals in
educating citizens; the nature of real patriotism and
how one can truly serve the people.
It is noteworthy that
Atatürk attached great importance to these things in
a situation in which he himself was a creative force
in developing a new republic. It should also be
pointed out that Atatürk's work in modernizing
Turkey also attracted respect and admiration in
Finland. Relations between Finland and Turkey have an
exceptionally positive undertone, whose significance
should not be underestimated in developing relations.
The good basis for
relations has also been evident in meetings with
representatives of the Turkish business community,
most recently at a dinner which was held yesterday in
Istanbul. Turkey is a significant trade partner for
us in the Mediterranean area. I hope that increased
business contacts will lead to new ideas in the field
of economic cooperation. Traditional trade is
supplemented nowadays by investments. Over 50 Finnish
firms are already represented in Turkey. I hope that
Turkish firms will also find their way to Finland to
take advantage of the investment opportunities which
our nation offers.
Connections also exist
at the individual level. Turkey has maintained its
position as a popular destination for Finnish
tourists. In the past few days I have also been able
to admire your country's beauty after a long pause.
There are still plenty of opportunities for broader
economic cooperation in the tourist field.
Finland is a bridge
between West and East in northern Europe, while
Turkey is a similar bridge in the south. Our
geographic position imposes special demands on both
of us but also offers advantages which we can utilize
through wise diplomacy. We can promote our countries'
best interests and regional security by maintaining
good relations in all directions. The post-Cold War
world is based on cooperation and the peaceful
resolution of problems. We are both aware of the
importance of European cooperation and want to take
part in developing it.
Finland is now serving
as the President of the European Union. We joined the
Union in 1995. Our first six-month presidency has
been interesting and challenging. During this period
we have also striven to promote relations and
dialogue between the Union and Turkey. In this work
we have received support from all the member states.
Turkey is a key
partner for the Union in an economic, social and
cultural sense. Turkey plays an important role in
maintaining peace and security in Europe. This was
proved once again in recent events in the Balkans.
The Union and Turkey need each other. The
significance of cooperation has increased further
with the customs union which was established four
years ago, as indicated by the positive development
of trade between Turkey and the EU countries. We both
know that deepening cooperation between Turkey and
the Union will require a great deal of work on both
sides. In our role as President we are working to
ensure that the European Council which will meet in
Helsinki in December can strengthen relations between
Turkey and the Union and involve your country more
closely in the Union's enlargement process.
The European Union is
based on the member states' common respect for
liberty, democracy, human rights and fundamental
freedoms and the rule of law. We trust that Turkey,
which is applying for membership, shares these same
principles with us. In Finland and the EU we have
noted with satisfaction your clear commitment to meet
the Copenhagen criteria. We have also noted your
government's determined efforts to promote democratic
reforms. Although the issue above all regards
national choices, the development of your own
society, it is clear that the implementation of the
reforms you have started will also bring Turkey
closer to membership of the European Union. This is
everyone's goal.
In closing I would
like to thank you, Mr President and Mrs Demirel, for
this very fine banquet, on behalf of my delegation
and for my own part.
I would like to
propose a toast to your health, to friendship between
Turkey and Finland and to our cooperation both
bilaterally and at the European level.
