Speech by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb at the state banquet at the Presidential Palace in honour of the state visit of the President of the Republic of[...]

Mr President and Mrs Karis, honourable ministers, ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of myself and Suzanne, I would like to once again welcome you to Finland.

Two years ago, we paid a state visit to Estonia. We have many fond memories of that visit - not least our meetings in Tallinn, and especially the visit to President Karis's home city of Tartu. There, the absolute highlight was a cruise on the Emajõgi - an unforgettable experience.

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Finnish and Estonian societies have grown closer since Estonia regained its freedom in the 1990s. When I look at Estonia, I can say without any exaggeration that freedom changes everything.

Estonia's freedom is also our freedom.

Our shared values - democracy, the rule of law and freedom to build prosperity - are what bind us together. Our shared history, our common cultural heritage, our close linguistic kinship.

Official relations are important. And ours could not be better. But we know that, deep down, our citizens are the ones maintaining the relationship between our countries: students, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, writers, musicians, tourists and athletes.

Many of the Finns present here today have a close, long-standing relationship with Estonia and its culture. Many families and relatives are connected across the sea. Finland is also home to the largest Estonian community outside Estonia.

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Many things bring us together.

Our security brings us together. For both of us, the anchor of our security lies in the EU and NATO. This does not prevent us from further developing our regional cooperation. This year, Estonia chairs the NB8 cooperation. There, too, we are heading in the same direction.

Our broader objectives are aligned as well: strengthening European security, upholding the rules-based international system and multilateral cooperation, and advancing the reform of the UN.

In the EU, Finland and Estonia share many common interests. Now that Hungary has changed its direction, we can rejoice that Ukraine will not be left behind. We must ensure that the international community keeps its focus on Ukraine. Pressure on Russia, which is waging an illegal war of aggression, must be maintained and increased.

The bilateral defence cooperation between Finland and Estonia works well and continues to grow stronger. It stands firmly on its own, while also fitting naturally within NATO and other cooperative frameworks.

The Finland-Estonia Security and Defence Industry Dialogue, which will be held tomorrow, comes at an opportune moment. It will allow us to deepen partnerships both at the strategic level and at the practical, company-to-company level.

Security, technology and economic strength are inseparable. Finland and Estonia - our businesses and research institutes - have a lot to offer. Tomorrow, we will also visit Aalto University.

Our economies bring us together. As our trade partner, Estonia is far greater than its size would suggest: in trade in goods, it is greater than the entire African continent combined. Neighbours tend to trade with their neighbours. At least when they are democracies that live by the rule of law.

Our infrastructure brings us together. Finland and Estonia have a shared energy infrastructure, and protecting it is our mutual task. We discussed this two years ago in Tallinn. That was when we initiated a process that has led to closer cooperation between the countries of the Baltic Sea region and new capabilities to protect our infrastructure.

Our culture brings us together. This spring also marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Estonian-Finnish Cultural Foundation. The Foundation has supported over 50 Finnish-Estonian cultural projects and promoted Finnish and Estonian cultural exports to third countries.

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Winter sports also bring Finland and Estonia together. I did not make it to Otepää, the Mecca of Estonian winter sports, during my state visit two years ago, and also missed the Biathlon World Cup in March this year, but thankfully, Suvi Minkkinen made it.

In the summer, the WRC Rally Estonia will be run on these very same roads around Otepää. You can expect Finnish tourists to come and fill your hotels.

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At times, there is almost too much going on in the world, and we are seeing the world order in transition. In times like these, good neighbours and friends are worth their weight in gold.

Finland has in Estonia - and Estonia in Finland - a neighbour that sets its sights on the future, innovates, shares our values and interests, and invests both in its own and our joint security.

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Mr President and Mrs Karis, honourable ministers, ladies and gentlemen,

Once again, I would like to welcome you and thank you for this day. We will continue tomorrow, but for now, allow me to propose a toast to our guests and to cooperation between Finland and Estonia.