Presidential forum to discuss Finland's foreign policy challenges and opportunities

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 2 May 2007

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen will host a discussion on foreign and security policy at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. The theme of the third Presidential Forum is Finland, Europe and the world - Finland's foreign policy challenges and opportunities.

People from different parts of society - political decision-makers, civil servants, researchers, representatives of civil society and the media - have been invited to participate in the forum.

In addition to President Halonen, speakers will include Minister for Foreign Affairs Ilkka Kanerva; Professor Raimo Väyrynen, the director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs; OSCE Special Representative Eva Biaudet; and Major Mika Kerttunen, head teacher of strategy at Finland's National Defence College. The floor will also be open for discussion. Mr Tarmo Ropponen will serve as moderator.

Two Presidential Forums were arranged in autumn 2006. Their themes were the competitiveness of Finnish work and skilled and innovative Finland.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company will broadcast highlights of the forum the same day from 4-5 pm on TV1.