President of Finland

President Koivisto gave brief remarks and answered reporters' questions concerning Finland at the National Press Club. He met with President Bush earlier in the day to discuss U.S.-Finland relations, which he indicated were "mighty fine". He advocated expanded economic relations between the U.S. and Finland, and supported the U.S.' stance in the Persian Gulf war. President Koivisto expressed his country's support for arms control and increased American financial aid for Eastern Europe. His remarks focused upon the changes in the Soviet Union and the economic changes occurring in Eastern Europe. Responding to questions following his remarks, President Koivisto ruled out Finland's application to the European Economic Community at the present time.