PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND, MR. MARTTI AHTISAARI
AT THE CITY HALL OF KYIV ON 1.4.1998

It is a great pleasure for me to be a guest of honour at the City Hall of Kyiv. We are deeply moved and most grateful for the warm reception we have had here at the heart of the ancient and modern capital of Ukraine.

The City and the people of Kyiv have long had contacts with Finland. The capitals of our two countries, Helsinki and Kyiv, have established official relations and there is likewise an old tradition of cooperation between Tampere and Kyiv. Contacts like these between cities and their citizens greatly contribute to mutual understanding between nations.

I am pleased to note that my state visit has provided opportunities for businesspeople from Finland and Ukraine to meet and develop their mutual trade and cooperation. Several projects and agreements are being discussed and Finnish firms have already achieved concrete results here.

Kyiv is a major European metropolis with rich historical traditions. I wish you every success in your challenging work in further developing your beautiful city in preparation for the 21^st century.