    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 7, 1991]
    [Pages 481-483]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters Following Discussions With
    President Mauno Koivisto of Finland
    May 7, 1991

        President Bush. President Koivisto, welcome again to the United
    States. It's a pleasure to try to return the hospitality you showed
    President Gorbachev and me in Helsinki last September. And we're very
    grateful for that hospitality, and I'd like to think that meeting was
    very constructive.
        Our meeting today was only the latest of many exchanges that we have
    shared. It's been nearly a decade since you and I first met. Today, as
    always, I greatly value your view on world events and your efforts over
    many years to build the excellent relationship between the United States
    and Finland.
        This visit, albeit very brief, gave me an opportunity to thank you
    personally for Finland's constructive policy in the Middle East. Your
    country's strong leadership in the U.N. Security Council and the Iraqi
    Sanctions Committee last fall and your generous aid to the people
    suffering from Iraqi oppression represent Finland's fine tradition of
    active partnership in the community of nations.
        This sense of responsibility led Finland, within a year of its
    admission to the U.N., to serve as part of the U.N. Emergency Force in
    1956 following the Suez crisis. Finns have served bravely in virtually
    every peacekeeping force since then, contributing more troops than any
    other country. Your

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    nation continues this proud tradition in the current U.N. observer force
    in Kuwait and Iraq.
        Finland and the United States enjoy a long and healthy trade
    relationship. Today, we touched on some new economic issues, including
    the advantages that could come from a Finnish purchase of our advanced
    aircraft. Let it be said in fairness that you made a pitch to us on
    several items that might benefit Finland trade, so this was a mutual
    exchange. We also discussed the new Europe, from economic integration to
    arms control, from new challenges to the CSCE to the continuing role of
    NATO in European security.
        The United States and Finland share a deep interest in events in the
    Soviet Union. I've always valued the opportunity to exchange views with
    President Koivisto, who is a knowledgeable, an expert, a most perceptive
    observer of the U.S.S.R.
        We discussed the very complex situation in the Baltic States. And I
    reaffirmed the policy of the United States to support a process of
    change through constructive and fair negotiations. We agreed on the
    inadmissibility of the use of force and the importance of pragmatism by
    all parties in the search for a solution to this problem of the Baltics.
        The United States and Finland will continue to support the process
    of reform in the U.S.S.R. which was initiated by President Gorbachev. We
    want to see that process continue. We want to see it strengthened. And
    we will be ready to assist the Soviet and Republic governments in
    attaining the twin goals of democratization and market economic reform.
        Finally, we discussed another issue of major importance to both of
    our countries: the transition to free markets and liberal political
    systems by the new democracies of Eastern Europe. We are determined to
    make every effort to assist them in their historic quest to remake
    themselves and find a place in the new Europe. This must be a priority
    for all Western countries.
        As democratic peoples, Finns and Americans share many special bonds
    of friendship. Finns have long added to the American experience. Mr.
    President, your countrymen were among the first to settle in this
    country 350 years ago, establishing new lives in the Delaware River
    Valley. Over a century later, John Morton, a Finnish-American delegate
    to our Continental Congress, cast the deciding vote for our Declaration
    of Independence.
        The ideals that led him--liberty and self-government--remain dear to
    both our nations. Just look to Philadelphia, 1776, and Helsinki, 1917.
    And since that time we've enjoyed over 70 years of warm diplomatic
    relations. And I look forward to continuing this friendship.
        May God bless the people of Finland and the United States. Thank
    you, sir.
        President Koivisto. Mr. President: Let me first thank you, Mr.
    President, for the excellent hospitality extended to me and my party
    here in Washington. We enjoyed our stay very much. It was also a great
    pleasure to meet you again and exchange views on the changing world
    situation.
        When we last met in Helsinki in September at the American-Soviet
    top-level meeting on the Persian Gulf, the world was facing a direct
    challenge to the rule of law. The Iraqi aggression was repelled by the
    coalition. Kuwait is now free. Finland faced her responsibility in the
    United Nations Security Council in its decision to thwart the
    aggression. And now work must continue to build a new, equitable world.
        Finland and the United States are different in many ways, yet we
    share the same values of freedom, democracy, justice, and human rights.
    We both want to see the world based on these fundamental principles. But
    principles are not enough. The economic, social, and the ecological
    problems can only be overcome through determined international
    cooperation.
        For Finland, developments in Europe and particularly in our vicinity
    are of vital importance. While we must encourage progress everywhere
    towards our shared values, we must at the same time maintain stability.
    Reform efforts in Eastern Europe, including the Soviet Union, now need
    our support. With the cold war behind us, no new devices must be drawn,
    but avenues of cooperation be opened for all.
        We have also discussed the role of institutions which would promote
    stability and

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    change in Europe. One of them is the CSCE or the Helsinki process. I
    have invited President Bush and the other 32 leaders of Europe and North
    America to Helsinki for the next CSCE followup meeting due to begin in
    March 1992.
        Mr. President, the review of our bilateral agenda showed that our
    relations are, indeed, in excellent shape. There is mutual appreciation
    and recognition of our respected roles in world affairs. There are long-
    standing bonds of friendship between our people. And there are good
    prospects for expanding the Finnish-American partnership.
        I shall leave Washington with warm sentiments about our old and
    steady friendship. I hope to see you, Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, again
    in Finland in the not too distant future.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir.
        Q. Mr. President, you sounded a little hoarse. Are you all right?
        President Bush. Yes, just fine.
        Q. Have you got a cold?
        President Bush. Talking too much. No, I don't think so.
        Q. Mr. President, do you have anything from the meeting today
    between Gorbachev and Ambassador Matlock? It seemed like it went well.
        President Bush. What was that?
        Q. CFE. Matlock met with Gorbachev today, and the initial reports
    were positive.
        President Bush. We haven't got it yet over here.

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 1:30 p.m. at the South
                            Portico of the White House. In his remarks, he
                            referred to President Mikhail Gorbachev of the
                            Soviet Union and Jack Matlock, U.S. Ambassador
                            to the Soviet Union. Prior to their remarks, the
                            two Presidents met privately in the Oval Office
                            and with U.S. and Finnish officials in the
                            Cabinet Room, and then attended a luncheon in
                            the Old Family Dining Room.