SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC AT A DINNER IN HONOUR OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS ON JUNE 1, 1995

It is a great pleasure for my wife and myself to welcome you to Finland. The Government and people of Finland join me in this greeting.

You have been in this country before, but only privately. The official occasion of a state visit gives us the possibility to express our appreciation and respect to you as Head of State. We value highly the country and people you represent and symbolize. The way you have dedicated yourself to the service of your country has made you popular and respected not only in the Netherlands, but across the continent and the world.

In a rapidly changing world, we need occasions for joint reflection. This year, particularly in the past few weeks, we have turned our attention to tragic events fifty years ago. The 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War was not an occasion for the victors to celebrate. It was rather a possibility to pay our respects to the victims and the fallen. While doing so, we looked into the future with the hope of something better: peace, security and prosperity for all.

The United Nations was established fifty years ago in the aftermath of the Second World War. While the United Nations may so far have fallen short of a world government, we share its ideals and are committed to its principles and purposes. Your country has made remarkable contributions within the UN framework in such fields as international law, human rights, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and development.

Throughout its history, the Netherlands has been molded by its environment and, in return, has made its impact on that environment. Your country is an outstanding example of a smaller power bringing its influence to bear in the world, effectively enhancing the prosperity and happiness of its people. Your achievements give us encouragement as we face new challenges in a transformed Europe.

The Dutch have been able to maintain their identity and to cultivate their land at the crossroads of European and overseas influences. Today, the Netherlands is a prospering welfare state and an open and tolerant society. You live in the heartland of Europe, in the neighbourhood of bigger powers.

Immediately after the war, the Netherlands was among the frontrunners. You were one of the six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community, which led to the Treaty of Rome and the establishment of the European Community. Appropriately enough, the Treaty on European Union was signedin the Dutch city of Maastricht.

You have had remarkable success in combining your national interest with the wider European interest. You have been able to make your voice heard in European and international fora.

The relationship between our two nations goes back centuries into history. Dutch influence, based on trade, was considerable along the Finnish coast in the 16th and, in particular, the 17th century. In fact, towards the end of the 16th century, a Dutchman by the name of Hans van Sanden was considered to be the richest man in the recently established town of Helsinki.

The fresh winds of the sea have often brought us together. We have been able to join our forces and produce new ideas. It is with full justification that we are often called like-minded by our partners and friends.

My respected predecessor, Dr. Mauno Koivisto visited your country five years ago. The time elapsed since then has been one of momentous change in our continent. We are working together to enhance democracy, human rights and the rule of law as well as market economy throughout the continent.

As members of the European Union, we are in a unique position to be successful in these endeavours. It gives me great pleasure to use this occasion to pay tribute to your Government for actively lending its support in favour of Finland's membership of the Union. As partners in the Union, new vistas are open for us also in the bilateral context.

Our two countries share the same fundamental values and political systems. Both economies are highly dependent on integration in European and global markets and their networks.

We admire your success in preserving and enhancing a small language and culture. Your experience in the European Union shows that it is possible to make an impact in key policy areas: social policies, environment, infrastructures, liberal trade policies, openness and transparency in the Union, and a rational division of responsibilities between various European institutions.

But hard and pragmatic work is required to achieve results. This is something that unites us as well: we are used to working for things we want to achieve.

While once more expressing my delight at your paying a state visit to Finland, may I propose a toast to your health and happiness, to your family and to the bright and prosperous future of the Dutch people.