Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a state dinner hosted by President of the Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesić in Zagreb on 2 September 2009

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On behalf of my husband and myself I warmly thank you, Mr President, for the invitation to visit beautiful Croatia. I remember well our fruitful discussions during your working visit to Finland in 2003.

Geographically our countries are in different parts of Europe. Yet, we have a lot in common. Our locations in the border zone between different cultures has enriched our cultures and lives but has also brought its own challenges. Our nations share a love for culture, which is also reflected in numerous local events and festivals.

In both our countries, we value nature and can enjoy a beautiful coast and archipelago. In recent years Finns have discovered Croatia as a popular new holiday destination. I also hope to see more Croatians come to visit our northern country.

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We Europeans share common values: democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Finland and Croatia have good cooperation in international organizations such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We are both active in international crisis management. Croatia is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Finland is a candidate for the UN Security Council for the term 2013-2014.

In Europe, the significance of regional cooperation has increased. Nordic cooperation has traditionally been an important and natural way for Finns to act. We have also been actively involved in developing broader cooperation among the states in the Baltic Sea region. These experiences could also be of benefit in south-eastern Europe in developing regional cooperation and thereby increasing stability.

In recent years, Croatia has been more closely involved in European and transatlantic cooperation. Your country joined NATO in April. Croatia has been negotiating its accession to the EU since 2005.

Finland supports the enlargement of the EU, provided new member states meet the agreed membership criteria. We hope that Croatia's accession to the EU will take place as soon as possible. We can also work towards this end bilaterally.

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Bilateral relations between Finland and Croatia are good and without problems. The exchange of visits on different levels has increased. I am pleased to note that there is an active friendship group in both parliaments and that Finnish MPs will be visiting Croatia in the near future.

I believe that we still have many opportunities to be availed. Although our trade relations are still on a fairly modest level, positive development has taken place in recent years.

Our cultural exchange is already lively. Finnish cinema, music, design and architecture are gaining friends in your country. More Croatian cultural figures and artists are also coming to Finland than before. We are pleased that Finnish language and culture are taught at the University of Zagreb.

Mr President, allow me to propose a toast to you and your wife and to the successful future of the Croatian nation.