“The unstable world situation shows no signs of settling down. In an increasingly complex world, the requirements imposed on Finland’s foreign policy will grow.
In foreign policy, Finland does its utmost to promote peace, stability and long-term thinking. By supporting the common good on a broad front, we shoulder our share of responsibility for the world while at the same time advancing our own interests.
Ultimately, every nation forges its own destiny. Safeguarding our own position must continue to be the clear point of departure in Finland’s foreign and security policy. Nobody else will do this.
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This year a quarter of a century has passed since our accession to the European Union. For Finland, the EU remains the most important source of economic prosperity and stability.
What I find especially significant is that the debate on European security is finally advancing. While the cooperation is still only taking its first steps, it lies in our interest that it continues.
Amidst intensifying superpower competition, the new EU Commission has chosen to define itself as “geopolitical”. This is positive. Only a strong Union can act on an equal basis with the United States, China and Russia, all keen to emphasize their power.
True enough, Europe is already a superpower in trade, economics, science and technology. They are areas which may shape tomorrow’s geopolitics. As part of Europe, we are also involved in this process.”
The Boston Global Forum honored President Sauli Niinisto with the World Leader for Peace and Cybersecurity Award on Global Cybersecurity Day, December 12, 2018 at Harvard University Faculty Club.