Translation
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND, MR. MARTTI
AHTISAARI
ON A VISIT TO THE FINNISH SEAMENS CHURCH IN ROTTERDAM ON
21.1.1999
I am happy to be able to meet so many of my compatriots and
friends of Finland during this visit. I know that there are quite
a few Finns living here and that therefore it has been possible
to invite only some of them to this function.
As you probably know, we flew from Helsinki to the Hague
yesterday morning. There we have been guests of the Queen and
Prince Claus, have had discussions with Prime Minister Kok and
members of parliament, visited several international
organisations in the Hague and today we have toured Rotterdam and
its enormous port. From here we shall be returning to the Hague
to bid farewell to Her Majesty and then we fly back to Helsinki.
This seamens church has old traditions. Countless seafarers
and casual visitors have found refreshment for their bodies and
souls here and, when they needed it, direct help. It has also
been of benefit to Finns living in this country by developing
into a centre for their collective activities. It addition to its
ecclesiastical functions proper, its premises are used for a
great variety of secular activities, everything from having a
chat in Finnish to cultural events, Saturday school and, not
least, enjoying a proper sauna. The attraction right now is Ritva
Kovalainens exhibition of beautiful photographs, which the
Finnish Cultural Centre has brought here to show what is being
achieved in the arts in Finland.
It is even more important now than it has been in the past that
the work of the church is supported by a solid group of
volunteers who devote their time and energy. Without them, this
church could not function today. That is one of the realities of
our modern era. This firm willingness to work together
demonstrates that the Finns here really regard the Seamens
Church as an important institution.
The Finns in the Netherlands seem to be working together well in
other respects, too. The Netherlands-Finnish Association has the
quite respectable total of 900 members and its importance as a
link between our two countries cultures is considerable. I
wish the Association continuing success in its work.
Finnish companies have invested quite considerably in the
Netherlands and a large number of them either have operations
here or are represented by agents. After all, this country has
long been one of our major trade partners. Thus the Finland Trade
Club performs an important function in facilitating links between
both Finns and Dutch people working for the Finnish companies
with a presence here.
I have heard that the Finnish organisations here work well not
only with each other, but also with representatives of official
Finland. That pleases me greatly.
I would like to take this opportunity to note that relations
between Finland and the Netherlands are on an excellent footing.
Our four-year-old membership of the European Union has
undoubtedly given our country a more distinct image in the minds
of both the authorities and especially ordinary citizens here. I
am confident that our stint in the EU Presidency beginning in
July will further enhance the positive image that our country
enjoys. For us, the Netherlands is an EU partner of very like
mind. Nevertheless, you Finns and friends of Finland still have
an important role to play as representatives of our country and
propagators of its culture here in the Netherlands.
I wish all of you and the organisations and companies you
represent the very best of success. In particular, I wish Pastor
Rantanen and his family and the Seamens Church workers
continuing enthusiasm and energy in their important work.