President Halonen at informal EU summit in Lahti

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen attended the working lunch of the Informal Meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in Lahti on Friday October 20. She also met the Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin, who was attending the working dinner with EU leaders. The Presidents travelled to Lahti from Helsinki together and held talks during the journey.

President Halonen and President Putin at the Helsinki airport on the way to Lahti EU-summit. Photo: Lehtikuva

The Presidents discussed about the situation in Georgia, of which both were concerned. President Halonen expressed her concern also about the recent killing of Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaja. In addition to that the Presidents touched bilateral issues, such as the traffic problems on the border between Finland and Russia.

President Halonen was also present at the working dinner in Lahti, the topic of which was the development of strategic partnership between the EU and Russia, including cooperation over energy issues.

EU Presidency website