US-Finnish relations. (remarks by President Bush and President Mauno Koivisto; includes profile of Finland) (transcript)

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 greatful 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 views 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 UN 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 …