It gives me great pleasure on behalf of all of us Finns to bid you, esteemed Presidents, welcome to Finland and Helsinki. I extend the same welcome to your parties.

The changes that have taken place in Europe in recent years have been historic. The division of our continent into two parts is being left behind. On the other hand, internal upheavals in many societies have also triggered violence and created insecurity. Guaranteeing security in Europe calls for an active and determined contribution on the part of all of us.

The summit meeting now beginning here in Helsinki is arousing great expectations. Post-Cold War Europe should develop into a security area, where no one threatens anyone else, and no one feels threatened. However, work still lies ahead, and you, Esteemed Presidents, have fresh-mindedly come here to Helsinki to do it.

We Finns - and indeed the whole of Europe - have a strong sense of what you are doing. The agenda for this summit is a demanding one. You have prepared yourself carefully for it. You know each other and your responsibility.

Finland has made her contribution to efforts to bring about a Europe founded on cooperation. Well over two decades ago, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe got under way here in Helsinki. The OSCE principles that were embraced even that long ago remain topical today. The CSCE process pointed the way. History has shown that the course chosen was correct.

The United States and Europe are bound together by permanent historical, cultural, political and economic ties. This century of ours that will soon end has been a time of both tragedy and great opportunities for Europe. Now we must combine our strength to work for a lasting peace and ensure that cooperation continues into the next century.

For Finland, as a member state, it is of paramount importance that the European Union develop into the central factor of political and economic stability in our continent. Increasing cooperation and interaction between the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United States will create the partnership of the 21^st century.

With those few sentiments I would like to propose a toast to the good fortune and health of both of you, President Yeltsin and President Clinton, and wish you the best of success in your negotiations that begin tomorrow at Mäntyniemi.