German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Finland with his spouse, Mrs. Elke Büdenbender, on Monday for a three-day visit. President Steinmeier met his counterpart, Sauli Niinistö and continued on the same topic that was started by French President Emmanuel during his visit to Finland about two and half weeks ago: the unified defense and security of Europe. “I am very glad that it is now more often discussed how Europe could carry more responsibility of its own safety,” President Niinistö said at the press conference after their talks.
In Niinistö’s view, a strong Europe and a strong European Union are necessary not only to increase security but also to ensure that issues of importance to Europeans are heard in the world. “It’s important that we get our thoughts about democracy and human rights and democratic order heard. That’s what we have always strived to do but now the inner strength would surely strengthen our voice,” Niinistö said.
According to the presidents, relations between their respective countries are better than ever.“It’s customary to begin the discussions by analyzing the relations between the countries but in this case, when there is not much to improve, we didn’t talk about it much,” President Niinistö said.
What’s the secret to Finnish happiness?
Despite talking about the security of Europe, President Steinmeier expressed his interest in finding out why the Finns are so happy, according to the UN happiness report. “Finland is holding the first place in the happiness index between the countries. Why is this so? That, of course, interests me in Germany and as the President of the Federal Republic of Germany,” he said.
President Steinmeier still has two more days to try to figure that one out during his stay in Finland, but President Niinistö did share a few philosophical insights on the subject. “It could be that the Finnish state of mind is a bit more careful and expressionless outside, and maybe it conceals the feeling of happiness inside,” Niinistö said.
On Tuesday, President Steinmeier will meet Prime Minister Juha Sipilä at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, Kesäranta. He will also lay a wreath at the Hietaniemi cemetery and visit Me & MyCity in Espoo and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. In the evening, President Steinmeier and his spouse, Mrs Büdenbender, will host a reception at the German Embassy in Finland. On Wednesday, President Steinmeier and Mrs. Büdenbender will travel to Oulu, where they will visit for example the University of Oulu.
President Niinistö and President Steinmeier met previously on May 11, 2017, when President Niinistö visited Germany. A previous presidential visit from Germany to Finland took place in 2013 when President Niinistö hosted an official visit by President Joachim Gauck.
