President Halonen at the EU-USA summit

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen attended the summit between the European Union and the United States that was held in Brussels on 22 February 2005. Speaking on behalf of Finland, President Halonen emphasized the importance of cooperation between the EU and the United States.

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and President of the United States George W. Bush had a discussion at the summit in Brussels. Photo: Lehtikuva/AFP

President Halonen said that in international crises it is essential to act in time and also to continue efforts for as long as needed. A good example of cooperation between the EU and the United States is activities in the Western Balkans. Cooperation is also necessary outside crisis periods, for example in promoting economic and social fairness and reducing poverty, President Halonen said.

President Halonen also touched on relations with Russia. She pointed out that a democratic and prosperous Russia is in everyone's interests and for this reason political and economic reform in Russia should be supported. Others also expect Russia to meet its international obligations, she added.