Speech by the President of the Republic of Finland




SPEECH BY PRESIDENT MARTTI AHTISAARI AT A BANQUET IN ANKARA, 20.11.1999


I would like to express my pleasure and satisfaction that this long-planned visit is now taking place. Its significance is underlined by the fact that it has been 28 years since the President of the Republic of Finland last visited Turkey. I refer to President Urho Kekkonen's state visit in June 1971. You yourself as Prime Minister signed the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in Helsinki in August 1975. President Korutürk made a state visit to Finland in April 1977.

On behalf of both Finland and the European Union I would also like to express thanks to the hosts of the summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for a successful summit and excellent arrangements.

Your country has been struck by tragic earthquakes in recent months. On behalf of Finland and the European Union and for my own part I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of thousands of lives and for the damage caused by the earthquakes. We want to assist you in repairing the material and spiritual damage caused by these catastrophes.

I am glad to note that relations between our countries are good and are based on cooperation. This is a good foundation to build on - politically, economically and culturally. I am convinced that we have much to offer each other. Today's discussions have further strengthen this view.

The mutual feeling between our countries and nations has been influenced to an exceptional degree by a book which was published in Turkey in 1925, entitled "The Land of the White Lilies - Finland" (Ak zambaklar ülkesinde - Finlandiya). This book was marketed in its original form as a textbook for all citizens. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk went even further and made it compulsory reading in military schools.

The introduction states that the book describes, using literary means, how progress was made in education and culture in the young Finnish nation; the role played by schools, the army, the state and religion in this development; the meaning of democracy; how an entire nation can be educated; the significance of leading individuals in educating citizens; the nature of real patriotism and how one can truly serve the people.

It is noteworthy that Atatürk attached great importance to these things in a situation in which he himself was a creative force in developing a new republic. It should also be pointed out that Atatürk's work in modernizing Turkey also attracted respect and admiration in Finland. Relations between Finland and Turkey have an exceptionally positive undertone, whose significance should not be underestimated in developing relations.

The good basis for relations has also been evident in meetings with representatives of the Turkish business community, most recently at a dinner which was held yesterday in Istanbul. Turkey is a significant trade partner for us in the Mediterranean area. I hope that increased business contacts will lead to new ideas in the field of economic cooperation. Traditional trade is supplemented nowadays by investments. Over 50 Finnish firms are already represented in Turkey. I hope that Turkish firms will also find their way to Finland to take advantage of the investment opportunities which our nation offers.

Connections also exist at the individual level. Turkey has maintained its position as a popular destination for Finnish tourists. In the past few days I have also been able to admire your country's beauty after a long pause. There are still plenty of opportunities for broader economic cooperation in the tourist field.

Finland is a bridge between West and East in northern Europe, while Turkey is a similar bridge in the south. Our geographic position imposes special demands on both of us but also offers advantages which we can utilize through wise diplomacy. We can promote our countries' best interests and regional security by maintaining good relations in all directions. The post-Cold War world is based on cooperation and the peaceful resolution of problems. We are both aware of the importance of European cooperation and want to take part in developing it.

Finland is now serving as the President of the European Union. We joined the Union in 1995. Our first six-month presidency has been interesting and challenging. During this period we have also striven to promote relations and dialogue between the Union and Turkey. In this work we have received support from all the member states.

Turkey is a key partner for the Union in an economic, social and cultural sense. Turkey plays an important role in maintaining peace and security in Europe. This was proved once again in recent events in the Balkans. The Union and Turkey need each other. The significance of cooperation has increased further with the customs union which was established four years ago, as indicated by the positive development of trade between Turkey and the EU countries. We both know that deepening cooperation between Turkey and the Union will require a great deal of work on both sides. In our role as President we are working to ensure that the European Council which will meet in Helsinki in December can strengthen relations between Turkey and the Union and involve your country more closely in the Union's enlargement process.

The European Union is based on the member states' common respect for liberty, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. We trust that Turkey, which is applying for membership, shares these same principles with us. In Finland and the EU we have noted with satisfaction your clear commitment to meet the Copenhagen criteria. We have also noted your government's determined efforts to promote democratic reforms. Although the issue above all regards national choices, the development of your own society, it is clear that the implementation of the reforms you have started will also bring Turkey closer to membership of the European Union. This is everyone's goal.

In closing I would like to thank you, Mr President and Mrs Demirel, for this very fine banquet, on behalf of my delegation and for my own part.

I would like to propose a toast to your health, to friendship between Turkey and Finland and to our cooperation both bilaterally and at the European level.