I would like to thank you for the opportunity to visit your University and for your interesting presentation. I also thank Governor Siuruainen for his presentation of the Nordic Dimension. This concept, developed by Prime-Minister Paavo Lipponen, has been supported from the start by Portugal. Being a country located in the extremities of Europe, we understand the importance of alliances and co-operation between states sharing similar circumstances.

The role of Universities is, from time immemorial, of the utmost importance, not just as centers of learning, but also because of the contribution they make to social and economic development. From what I have heard and seen today, I believe Oulo University, is, in many ways, an example of what Universities today should be.

Since the date of its foundation, in 1958, Oulo university has made a key contribution to the development of this entire region. The co-operation of your University with local industries and business has been fruitful and intense. Oulo University has also been extremely active in promoting cooperation and exchanges with other Universities across Europe and the world, including, as you mentioned, with some Portuguese universities.

You are right to be proud of the work undertaken by the University of Oulo. I thank you once again for the warm welcome to us and to our delegation, I wish you and this University the best success for the future.