I would like to thank you, Lord Mayor, most warmly for the kind words you have addressed to me and the Finnish delegation. It is indeed a great pleasure for us to visit the historical Mansion House today, and to see the coats-of-arms on the walls reminding us of your many illustrious predecessors.

For us Finns Dublin is a regular port of entry. Each year several thousands of my compatriots arrive here on private or official business, to study, or as tourists. They are most favourably impressed by the hospitality and warmth that welcomes them in this country.

We know that beautiful Dublin, like many other Irish cities, was founded by the Vikings, who were mostly of Danish, Norwegian or Swedish origin. Our capital city, Helsinki, although much younger than Dublin, was founded when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. In Finland, we feel a very close cultural and political affinity with our Scandinavian neighbours - something that we consider a very natural thing for us. And, as it happens, my own great grandfather came from Norway.

I was told that earlier this year you accorded generous hospitality to a large delegation from Helsinki, to people who in the city administration are dealing with EU matters. Dublin was the European Capital of Culture in 1991. In this respect your experience undoubtedly will be valuable because Helsinki has been chosen to be one of the European Capitals of Culture in the year 2000.

By then there will hopefully be a regular direct air-link between the two capitals. Today Finnair has weekly charter flights to Dublin during the summer season only. I hope that the intensified relations between our countries will eventually on sustain scheduled flights on a year-round basis. That would enable even more Finns to acquaint themselves with the attractions and ambience of Dublin.

Finland for her part warmly welcomes Dubliners as well as all Irish people in even greater numbers to visit Helsinki and other parts of our country. In doing so they will be able torecognise an interesting mix of similarities and differences between our two countries and peoples.

I thank you, Lord Mayor, once again, for welcoming us here and for the gracious gifts presented to us, but first and formost for the opportunity to meet the people who are responsible for the running of this great city. I wish the city and the people of Dublin a prosperous and happy future.