Historic Meeting Between Nordic and U.S. Leaders
President Sauli Niinistö participated in the U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. on May 13. President Obama hosted the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden at the White House to discuss how to deepen the cooperation between the Nordic countries and the U.S. The summit concluded with a State Dinner President Obama and his spouse Michelle Obama arranged in honor of the Nordic leaders.
The U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit was continuation of the summit meeting arranged in Stockholm in September 2013, when President Obama met with president Niinistö, as well as the prime ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
The summit began with an official arrival ceremony at the White House. President Obama warmly welcomed the Nordic leaders to the U.S. and praised their commitment to global issues. President Obama said that the Nordic countries are extraordinary friends who punch above their weight. “I really do believe that the world would be more secure and more prosperous if we just had more partners like our Nordic countries,” President Obama said.
President Niinistö spoke after President Obama’s welcome speech. He stated that the Nordic countries and the U.S. are united by issues such as gender equality, equal opportunities, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and respect for international law. “Together, the Nordics are a superpower - not militarily, but when it comes to innovation, education, competitiveness, sustainable development and clean technologies,” President Niinistö said. He also thanked President Obama for his leadership in combatting climate change and drawing more attention to Arctic issues.
The summit meeting between the heads of state and government took place in the White House after the arrival ceremony. Topics of discussion included security and defense issues, immigration and the refugee crisis, climate change, energy and Arctic issues, economic and trade relations, and development and humanitarian aid. President Obama said that the meeting was very productive, and the countries agreed on many topical issues.
Following the discussions, Secretary of State John Kerry hosted a lunch to the Nordic leaders at the U.S. Department of State. In his remarks, President Niinistö said that the Nordic countries have a lot to contribute for peace, prosperity and freedom in Europe and globally. In addition, he thanked Secretary Kerry for his determination in pursuing political solutions to a multitude of crises around the world. “In Finnish we have a word for extraordinary stamina and determination. The word is sisu. The way which you have negotiated for peace in the Middle East, the nuclear deal with Iran, and your persistent efforts to end the civil war in Syria witness you of sisu. Are you, by the way, sure, Mr. Secretary, that you don’t have some Finnish ancestor?” President Niinistö wondered.
The summit ended with a State Dinner organized in honor of the Nordic leaders. The State Dinner’s design was inspired by the northern lights and winter sky, and the menu was a mix of American and Nordic favorites. Altogether 350 guests, including a number of celebrities, attended the dinner. “We are grateful for our friendship with the Nordic people — even if we do sometimes get jealous about how perfect they seem to be,” President Obama joked in his toast.
Before returning back to Finland, President Niinistö laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on May 14.
More information: U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit joint statement https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/05/13/us-nordic-leaders-summit-joint-statement