The agenda for the Helsinki summit has been exceptionally heavy. As host for this summit, I have noted with pleasure the excellent spirit of the meeting as well as the first news concerning the results.

I am glad that Finland and Helsinki once again could provide facilities and services for the summit meeting. It has offered also to us an opportunity to present our views.

As we all know the issues discussed are difficult but the summit has strengthened the will to mutual understanding on problems concerning European security, arms control and economic cooperation.

I have presented to my guests the Finnish view on matters of importance to us: European security, significance of the Baltic Sea region and the development of the Baltic states. I have emphasized the readiness of Finland to promote in different ways the security and cooperation on our continent.

I have explained the Finnish security policy. We, like others, assess carefully the developments in Europe and look after our interests.

I have explained the goals of the European Union in the near future. I emphasized the significance of the process of the enlargement of the European Union to the stability in Europe. I also stressed the importance of the cooperation between the European Union, Russia and the United States.

Our high guests are still in town but already now I wish to express my gratitude to all those who participated in arranging the Helsinki summit 1997 and contributing to its success.