Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a banquet hosted by President Valdis Zatlers of Latvia on 7 June 2010

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I would like to warmly thank you and your spouse for this opportunity to visit Latvia with my spouse on these summer days. I have had the pleasure of acquainting myself with your beautiful country several times both officially and unofficially. Much has changed since I visited Latvia in September 1991. Similarly, you have been to Finland many times. Me and my husband have fond memories of your visit to Finland in 2007.

The Finnish and Latvian peoples have engaged in lively interaction for centuries. Long-term dealings are also visible in our languages. We have similar words such as ship, forest, hut and community effort as well as the verb pay, which is important in trade. We also share a vibrant sauna culture. This summer we are organizing a joint sauna exhibition here in Riga.

During the history, we have twice belonged to the same realm. In the 17th century our countries were part of Sweden and in the 19th century part of Russia. A national awakening emerged in Finland and Latvia in the 19th century. Our countries gained independence at nearly the same time.

In a divided Europe, our natural links were quite thin for half a century, but they have rapidly been restored. Now that almost two decades have passed since Latvia regained its independence, we can already say that cooperation between our countries is closer than ever.

Interaction between our civil societies is growing fast. Organizations, researchers, artists and athletes are engaged in lively interaction with one another. Timely examples of cultural exchange are the visit of a baroque orchestra from Helsinki during Riga's Bach festival and artist Iveta Vecenane's textile exhibition in Espoo. The New Riga Theatre has charmed audiences at theatre festivals in Finland, and Finnish rock bands have performed in Latvia.

Transport connections between Finland and Latvia have developed. There are already flights to Riga from nine Finnish cities. A quarter of a million Finnish tourists visit Latvia each year.

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Bilateral relations between our two countries are thus excellent. Latvia's accession to the European Union in 2004 has increased our cooperation.

Our economic cooperation is also active, although the economic crisis has reduced it in the past years. About 300 Finnish companies presently operate in Latvia, and some of them are planning to expand activities. The large turnout for today's Finnish-Latvian Business Seminar confirmed that interest in further developing economic relations is mutual.

This spring the Member States of the European Union have had to make difficult decisions due to the economic recession. The euro countries in particular - including Finland - have had to approve considerable support measure. The “forest fire” of the financial sector has had to be stopped. I hope that we have been succesful. But now we have to learn from it and aim to build a more secure future for every Member State and the whole EU. All the Member States must join efforts in this work.

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Closer Baltic Sea cooperation offers new opportunities for all the coastal states. The Baltic Sea Strategy of the European Union helps direct resources to the Baltic Sea region in environmental protection, transport and trade projects, and combatting cross-border crime.

The alarming state of the Baltic Sea environment also places obligations on all the coastal states. In February I – together with Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and the Baltic Sea Action Group – convened a summit in Helsinki to save our common sea. The results of the summit were encouraging. Over 150 significant commitments were made in Helsinki. I would like to thank you, Mr President, for the commitment you made on behalf of Latvia to reduce the discharge of nutrients into waters.

Cooperation among the Baltic countries and the Nordic countries has also expanded in recent years. Latvia is responsible its coordination this year. We support Latvia's efforts to further develop cooperation. We consider it important that we can also show solidarity within this group of countries when necessary.

In a globalizing world, interdependence between nations has significantly increased. Finland and Latvia largely face the same global challenges, which we can influence above all through the UN. We need everyone's cooperation to stabilize the international economy, mitigate climate change, ensure sustainable development and strengthen equality and social justice.

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I would like to wish you and your spouse the best success and propose a toast to the happy future of the Latvian nation.