Speech by H.E. Mr Martti Ahtisaari,

President of the Republic of Finland,

at a dinner hosted by H.E. President Soeharto

Jakarta, January 19, 1995

I wish to express my sincere thanks for the kind words which you have addressed to me and to my country, Mr President. I should also like to express my appreciation for the excellent arrangements that you have made for our visit -and for your warm hospitality.

It is a great honour for me to be the first President of Finland to make a state visit to the Republic of Indonesia, a strong regional power and the fourth most populous country in the world. I am confident that this visit will prove useful and further strengthen our good relations. On the basis of my initial impressions of Indonesia today, I feel that my stay here will also be a pleasant and rewarding personal experience.

The rapid economic and social development that Indonesia has enjoyed during her 50 years of independence, and especially in the past three decades, has made a deep impression on us in Finland. We are convinced that your country, so richly endowed with natural resources, land, talent and labour, will continue to make steady advances in its economy and society. The Government's determined economic deregulation and reform programmes will be important factors in this favourable development.

Indonesia is a vast and complex society moved by forces which are often little known or understood outside the archipelago. Hence, I realize that we Europeans who live so far from this region should try to avoid simplistic judgments and that a better understanding of conditions here requires first-hand information and face-to-face discussions.

You Indonesians have every reason to be proud of your nation's progress and achievements. For the past 30 years, Mr President, that progress has taken place under your leadership. Naturally, like every nation, Indonesia is also facing new challenges, some of which are the price of success. Rapid economic development and social change are giving rise to new demands, aspirations and needs. I am sure, however, that Indonesia will transform these challenges, too, into new opportunities and successes.

The first state visit between Finland and Indonesia is an important milestone in our bilateral relations. It is taking place against a background of intensified contacts and collaboration between our two countries in numerous fields. Tangible results of this include a network of economic agreements, a growing volume of trade, and fruitful industrial cooperation.

Finland is now a member of the European Union. We believe that membership will also prove an asset when we seek cooperation in outside markets. We join the EU established policy towards the ASEAN. This policy does not replace but adds up to our national policy and interests. Finnish companies are veryinterested in establishing a strong presence in Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. Indeed, many of them have been operating here for years. Nonetheless, there is still much that can be done, and the industrial leaders accompanying me on this visit intend to find new business opportunities and Indonesian partners for joint ventures.

We know that Finland is not a big factor in the Indonesian market as a whole, but some companies and products play a prominent role in a number of special markets and technology sectors in which we are global leaders.

From all that I have said, it is clear that Finland is optimistic about prospects for the further development of relations with Indonesia. There are no bilateral problems between us, but rather a mutual willingness to increase cooperation. Of course, there are differences between us in our thinking on some political and social issues, but dialogue on all relevant matters will, I am confident, increase our mutual understanding.

Indonesia's independent, active foreign policy has given your country a higher international profile. The great success with which you have chaired summits of the Non-Aligned Movement and APEC clearly demonstrates this, as do your leading role in ASEAN and your current seat on the UN Security Council. As a country which is likewise an active participant in debate on political and security-related cooperation, Finland appreciates Indonesia's international contributions. We are willing to work with you in multilateral fora, where we share views on a great number of issues.

There are many similarities between Finland's and Indonesia's approaches to international politics today. Both of us pursue our goals with determination, but at the same time with restraint and objectivity. Both wish to maintain good relations with all countries. Prospects for fruitful political dialogue on a regular basis, which began in April last year between high-level Foreign Ministry officials, are promising.

Although we have spent only one day in Jakarta, this country's genuine atmosphere of hospitality has already convinced us that we are among friends. I thank you for all your kindness and also for this excellent dinner. The pleasant memory of this evening will remain with us for a long time.

In conclusion, I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to extend to you, Mr President, an invitation to Finland. It is my hope that your visit can take place soon.

May I conclude by proposing a toast to the health and well-being of His Excellency President Soeharto, to the prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia and its people, and to the continuation and further development of cooperation between our countries.