Paper ties that flame our mutual respect, trust and shared commitment to advancing prosperity and tranquility between our countries have I, for one, enjoyed during my state visit to Norway. Having received this esteemed invitation from the Nordic country right at first dawn of my presidency, my wife and I find ourselves overwhelmed and grateful for the incredibly warm welcome, enlivened further by an intriguing program tailored for us.
There’s no denying the allure that the Norwegian landscape holds, dazzlingly evident as we nestle within the confines of this magnificent setting. Our history echoes the remarkable bond that exists between Finland and Norway, a friendship nurtured over years by mutual reverence and shared dedication towards rallying peace and affluence amidst and across our nations.
This developing respect prepared a path for my first visit to Norway, back in 2012. Accompanying President Niinistö, while serving as the Minister for Foreign Trade, I remember vividly enquiring about the “Royal Palace” hotel standard, leaving the verve trails of a grandeur experience and an unwavering anticipation to return one day to this astounding nation.
With its awe-inspiring beauty, it’s no wonder that my wife, Suzanne, and I chose Norway for a memorable milestone – commemorating our 25th wedding anniversary among the ostentatious vistas of Lofoten Islands. We have hit luck in having Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, a well-grounded travel guide, whose valuable suggestions have graced our trip with vivid encounters.
The sporty brilliance of Norway is equally impressive. The sacrifices and relentless journey of the athletes that placed them among the best internationally in nearly all sports cannot be undermined. The phenomenal win of eight medals at the Paris Olympics further elucidates their prowess in sports. I also like to jokingly add that being the happiest nation has indeed had its toll on us.
Nevertheless, our mutual admiration does not warrant overlooking some healthy competition. A recent exchange of messages with cross-country skier Iivo Niskanen set the expectations for next year’s world championships, implying that in the ten kilometers’ classic race, Norway can expect to earn only silver and bronze.
But moving beyond light-hearted conversations and sports, our nations share a significant geographical connection – a border stretching over 700 kilometers, a fact that we frequently take for granted. Despite being a boundary, this long-standing border binds us more than it severs the connections.
Our shared culture can be evidenced through the Finnish customs that the 17th century Forest Finns and 19th century Kven people imparted when they migrated to Norway. Even though the cross-migration to Finland from Norway was not as significant, it can’t erase the historical account of Norwegian settlers establishing a steam sawmill industry in Kotka, marking the start of Finland’s sawmill industry.
Despite traversing a bit varied paths, both our nations have emerged as internationally revered welfare states valuing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law while promoting a culture that places trust and solidarity at its core. Today, Norway’s power of judiciously managing its resources benefits not only the present generation but also propels its wealth towards the younger and the coming generations. Together, we face the challenge of a growing population in their senior years, marking modern healthcare and elderly care as our prime developmental objectives.
Our nations are encountering formidable external challenges in a period of historic world politics transition. Russia’s hostility towards Ukraine has nudged Finland to reinforce its national security comprehensively. Becoming a part of the Western community of values and joining NATO, supplemented by Norway’s unswerving support, has fortified our defense.
The commitment to enhance transport infrastructure from Norway and our efforts on developing our railway and road networks in northern Finland are stepping stones towards implementing common deterrence and defense effectively. Ultimately, our aims converge towards ensuring societal safety, security of supply, and safeguarding vital societal functions under all circumstances.
With Norway being our cherished neighbor, our close relations are understandable but there is always a realm for growth and strengthening ties. I am certain our optimism and determination will pave the way for more possibilities and a promising future.
So, let’s raise a toast to our hosts, Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit – and to the ever-strengthening Finnish-Norwegian partnership.
