Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a banquet hosted by President Victor Yushchenko of Ukraine in Kyiv on 13 May 2009

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Once again I would like to thank you, Mr President, for the invitation for my husband and me to visit your country. I have fond memories of your visit to Finland in 2006 and our discussions at that time. We have had the opportunity to continue the discussions here in Kyiv on this spring day. I believe that this visit will enhance interaction between our citizens and further strengthen cooperation between our countries.

Finland's and Ukraine's historical developments have often been connected. It is good that we look back at the events of the past and to evaluate them with open minds. A new book on the history of Finland, which deals with turning points in our nation's history, will be published later this year in Ukrainian. I hope that it will help open our nation's history to Ukrainians.

Relations between our countries are good and are steadily developing in many ways. Yet we should still do more to increase interaction, as there are many possibilities. It is excellent that the University of Helsinki has recently opened a Ukraine programme and that in Kyiv it is possible to study Finnish not only at the university, but also at the Scandinavian School, which I will visit tomorrow.

Finnish architecture and urban planning will be in the spotlight this spring particularly in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Tomorrow I will have the pleasure to open an exhibition of Finnish architecture, in connection with which a seminar on urban planning, architecture and energy-efficient construction will be held later this month.

Economic cooperation between Finland and Ukraine has developed favourably in recent years, although the current global financial crisis is a complicating factor. There are, however, possibilities and interest to increase cooperation. This is shown by the participation of Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen and an exceptionally large business delegation in this visit. A Finland-Ukraine business forum was held today in Kyiv. There are over 80 Finnish companies operating in Ukraine and your country is considered an interesting cooperation partner and market. We naturally hope that Ukrainian companies will also increase their activities in Finland.

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In a globalizing world, we face challenges to which we can only respond through joint efforts. The well-being of humankind and nature go hand in hand. It is very important for the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December to achieve a new worldwide and comprehensive climate convention in which all states participate. The European Union and its Member States have aimed to bear their responsibility and have also encouraged others to cooperate. Ensuring sustainable development requires action from all of us.

Protection of sea environment is a natural area for cooperation between Finland and Ukraine. Taking care of the Baltic Sea environment is important for Finland, and I know that Ukraine has actively participated in cooperation in the Black Sea region. We Finns are interested in exchanging experiences on the regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea regions. For example, many Finnish companies have strong expertise in the area of environmental cleantech both from Finland and from international projects.

Finland and Ukraine work actively in the UN, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. Our countries participate in international crisis management. Last year, Finland held the chairmanship of the OSCE and worked to resolve regional conflicts. We value Ukraine's role in mediating the conflict between Moldova and Transnistria.

Finland is striving to develop cooperation between the European Union and its neighbouring countries. Ukraine has participated in the European Neighbourhood Policy as a priority partner. I hope that cooperation between the Union and Ukraine will be further strengthened within the framework of the Eastern Partnership launched by the EU this year.

Mr President, I would like to propose a toast to you and your wife, to the happiness and prosperity of the Ukrainian nation and to cooperation between our countries.