Juan David Latorre
“Spain was one of the first states to recognise Finland’s sovereignty, and our countries established diplomatic relations in August 1918, 104 years ago,” said the Finnish ambassador at a reception held last Thursday to mark the 105th anniversary of Finland’s declaration of independence.
105 years ago Finland declared its independence,” continued Sari Rautio. Before the declaration of independence, Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire. However, Finland had to fight for its independence again 20 years later, and we consider the unjustified war that the Soviet Union started against Finland in November 1939 to be the real struggle for our independence. Today, Finland is a technologically and digitally advanced, highly educated country. A Nordic welfare state, it leads international rankings in terms of equality, educational quality, digitalisation and happiness.”
“On 24 February 2022 Russia unjustifiably, brutally attacked Ukraine. Just as Finland 80 years ago fought for its existence, Ukraine is now fighting for its own existence, but also in the broader sense, for democracy. Our support, admiration and thanks to the brave Ukrainian people. Slava Ukraini. Ukraine will rise up, just as Finland did in its day, and demonstrate the strength of democracy and self-determination. It is imperative to continue to support Ukraine in every possible way. Moreover, it is essential to do everything possible to ensure that Russia’s crimes, such as preventing the export of Ukrainian grain, do not cause a global food crisis. Here I would like to congratulate Spain for its strong support for Ukraine and food security.
The Finnish ambassador pointed out the need to “wean ourselves from dependence on Russian energy. This requires bold and extensive investments in green and digital transition. In Europe, Spain and Finland have already come far in this transition, but more investments and innovations will be needed. Here, cooperation is strength. This year, we have cooperated with Spain at all levels and the work continues.”
“At the same time as we cut unhealthy dependencies by moving away from fossil fuels and developing renewable energy,” the ambassador continued, “we are combating the most important global security threat, climate change. But green energy alone is not enough: both as individuals and as societies, we need to choose more sustainable alternatives and change to make our ways more sustainable, so that our children inherit a healthy and liveable planet. We need to consume less, recycle more, use more muscle power and fewer engines, eat less meat and more vegetables. We must always research, invent, seek and find the most sustainable solutions. We appreciate the good cooperation between Spain and Finland to prevent climate change and its effects, to conserve the diversity of the planet and to strengthen the well-being and security of citizens. The meetings this year between our Prime Ministers, as well as between the Finnish President and King Felipe VI reinforce this cooperation”.
The theme of the reception held at the Finnish ambassador’s residence was sustainability and, accordingly, a vegetarian meal and Finnish fish were offered, and the wines, of course Spanish, were organic. Also on display were the best works of art from a comic book competition held last year to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities and the discrimination they face in their daily lives.
The reception was attended by a large number of ambassadors, including those from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moldova, India, Italy, South Korea, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Andorra, Norway, Slovenia and Austria. The Deputy Director General for EU Countries, Raquel Gómez-Cambronero, was also present.
