Finnish Tom Gordin, Ceo of Helsinki International Horse Show, has known the princess for decades. The news of the princess's escape surprised Gordin.
- It feels terrible and sounds harsh. Especially when you don't know the backgrounds and everything. It is difficult to judge the other's separation, the reasons and the consequences. But a horrible destiny.
After hearing the news he sent the princess a text message, in which he hoped she is feeling well.
- I sent her a message, but she didn't answer to it. I wrote to her "Your Royal Highness, I wish you lot of strength". Maybe she doesn't want to reveal her whereabouts now. But if she acknowledged the message, it would be a comforting situation.
Gordin describes the princess as "very charismatic and social".
- She's got western British education and is very learned. In our species, where the welfare of horses is the most important thing, she is very precise about it.
Gordin and Princess Haya were introduced in 1997 when Haya competed in the Helsinki Horse Show. At the princess's reception, she met, among others, President Mauno Koivisto and Tellervo Koivisto, who were good friends of the King of Jordan.
When Princess Haya 2006 was elected chairman of the FEI, Gordin was regularly in contact with her for many years in international affairs.
While the princess wanted to continue as the chairman, in 2010 she had an opponent from Europe, but Gordin supported the princess.
- Among other things, I flew to Lausanne and sat down with her one afternoon thinking about what strategies she should draw up to be re-elected. As a thank you, she asked what I would like to have and I asked her to be a guest at the Helsinki Horse Show. She made a courtesy visit in August 2011.
After Haya al-Hussein's second period ended in 2015, Gordin has not met the princess.
- I can't say that we are good friends, but I know her well. I've been supporting her and she has appreciated it. We send Christmas greetings once in a while.
Suomalainen Tom on tuntenut Dubain prinsessan jo 20 vuotta – tieto karkumatkasta järkytti_ ”Lähetin tsemppausviestin” - Ulkomaat - Ilta-Sanomat