“Switzerland and Finland – an active partnership for the benefit of peace, ideas and people”
Bern, 07.04.2014 - Helsinki, 07.04.2014 - Speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, on the occasion of the State Visit to Finland - Check against delivery
Mr. President,
Mrs. Haukio,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
„Minusta on erittäin hienoa olla tuhansien järvien maassa“. [I am really delighted to be in the land of a thousand lakes.]
Every lake reminds me my own youth: I had the privilege of growing up by the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake entirely within Switzerland. For me, a lake, with its changing colours, its reflections of light and sky has a pacifying and stimulating effect. It helps you to see the world in a wider perspective and to broaden your imagination. At the same time you gain great insight. A lake symbolises farsightedness and openness.
According to the official census, Finland has not only a thousand, but 187‘888 lakes. Surrounded by so much still water, it is not surprising that the Finnish soul appears to be calm and well-grounded. Characteristics that the Swiss are also proud of.
Both nations also have a reputation for taking words seriously and using them sparingly. The German author Bertolt Brecht once wrote (in a poem) that the Finns were silent in two languages. If that is true, then we Swiss are twice as silent as the Finns.
In the concert of nations, however, neither Switzerland nor Finland are silent.
Neutrality and nonalignment to any military alliance are fundamental for our two countries’ commitment to peace politics. We frequently defend common positions in multilateral organisations, particularly with regard to human rights or humanitarian law.
Switzerland participates in the United Nation’s Group of Friends of Mediation which was founded by Finland and Turkey in 2010. Switzerland supports Finland in its efforts to facilitate a conference to establish a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Let me also add that we particularly appreciate Finland's support for three important Geneva-based actors for security issues, namely the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
Our common values, our expertise in peace politics and mediation are a clear indication that we should intensify our future cooperation in these fields. A closer collaboration in the discussion on peace facilitation within the Post-2015 Agenda framework could be an interesting example.
In my capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), I pay tribute to the role that Finland has played throughout the OSCE's history.
Back in the early days of the OSCE, Switzerland and Finland already worked together closely. Political actors still remember the strong links that bound Finland and Switzerland within the Neutral + Nonaligned Group during the negotiations leading to the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975. Historians today talk of “neutral power” when they discuss Finnish-Swiss cooperation in this context. It is no coincidence that the foundations for today’s OSCE were negotiated in Dipoli, then Geneva, and finally in Helsinki in the early and mid-1970s.
And Finland, like Switzerland, has remained a very committed member of the OSCE. Both countries had to cope with important crises during their respective chairmanships. In 2008, Finland was faced with the war in Georgia and Kosovo’s declaration of independence, while the first months of the Swiss Chairmanship have clearly been dominated by the crisis in and around Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine is a painful reminder that security and stability in Europe cannot be taken for granted. These developments have underlined the need to foster dialogue, re-establish confidence, and build bridges within the OSCE area. It is my firm conviction that the organisation has a major role to play in this.
I strongly believe that the OSCE - through its impartiality and inclusivity - can contribute to a peaceful settlement of the current crisis. The situation in Ukraine clearly shows how important the organisation is. The deployment of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is a strong signal in this regard. The presence of international monitors will hopefully be an important step towards de-escalation.
I am grateful that Finland has supported the establishment of the Monitoring Mission since the very beginning, and that it was among the first countries to propose seconded monitors to the Mission. I would also like to thank our Finish friends for the important pledge of 400’000 Euro in favour of the Monitoring Mission.
Let me also underline the very close cooperation that we enjoy with the High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors.
On the ninth of February this year, the Swiss people decided in a popular vote that immigration should be restricted by means of quotas.
The outcome of the vote must be seen in context and follows a significant increase in European immigration in recent years.
We all know that the decision taken by the people of Switzerland raises difficult issues with regard to the agreement with the EU and its member states on the free movement of persons. The Swiss government is committed to finding balanced solutions that preserve the close relations between Switzerland and its EU partners; relations that are beneficial for all concerned. If we want to succeed in our endeavours, we need to continue building on mutual trust and understanding. Ruptures or moratoriums in negotiation processes are neither in the interest of Switzerland nor the European Union and its member states.
Finland has always demonstrated a great deal of understanding for our system of direct democracy. The pragmatic and moderate approach your country has shown in reaction to February's vote is encouraging in view of the path that lies ahead of us.
Mr. President,
Six months ago, you paid a State visit to Switzerland. Today, I have the privilege to visit Finland. My visit reflects the strong conviction that our countries have much in common and a partnership to develop.
Geographically, Switzerland and Finland may be far away, but when it comes to mentality and values, we feel very close.
Both our countries are highly competitive and innovative, frequently achieving top scores in worldwide rankings in these fields. And, as I already mentioned, we share the same values, which makes us natural partners in international fora.
For the government and the people of Switzerland, Finland is a friend and we want to nurture our mutual friendship. Friendship is also reflected in the bonds between representatives. I have had the opportunity, Mr. President, to meet you on a number of occasions – most recently at the Summit on Nuclear Security in The Hague – and I would venture to say that we have been able to develop a sound and trustful relationship.
Mr. President, distinguished guests,
Our discussions today confirm our strong and mutual desire to further deepen and strengthen our relationship. Let me thank you once again for the warm welcome. I raise my glass to your good health, Mr. President, Mrs. Haukio, to the prosperity of your country and the Finnish people, and to the lasting friendship between our two countries: a friendship for the benefit of peace, ideas and people.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
