State visits usually involve a lot of pomp and circumstance, not least if the host country is a monarchy. That was also the case this week when President Alexander Stubb and his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb paid their first state visit – to Sweden, as tradition dictates. But in the midst of all the glory, an unforced socializing, an unartificial closeness and genuine warmth seemed to be present all the time. Finland’s new president’s great social skills and open manner certainly contributed.
Finland and Sweden always have have been close to each other and in recent years a further rapprochement has taken place, not least in the security and defense policy sector. Another step was taken during President Stubbs’ state visit. His charm, statements and Swedish went home in Sweden. Stubb dilutes the newly awakened interest in Finland in our western neighbour.
In his speech before the Swedish Riksdag, he said emphatically: “We are mostly the same, sometimes maybe a little different, but always inseparable. Today – more than ever – we stand together. Sweden’s cause is ours. Finland’s cause is yours.”
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Tags: state visit confirmed Finland Sweden inseparable friends
