Statement by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on the resignation announcement of Prime Minister Tony Blair

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 10 May 2007

Prime Minister Tony Blair has been a significant European leader and innovator for the last decade. In the beginning of his premiership, he increased the involvement of the United Kingdom in European integration and made the UK an active member of the EU. Following the tradition of his country, he has maintened close relationship with the United States and thus also strengthened the transatlantic relations of Europe.

Prime Minister Blair has been very active in the discussion on global issues. He has particularly highlighted the challenges of the development in Africa and climate change. In his country’s domestic policy, Prime Minister Blair will be remembered as a force for change. During his term, local government was strengthened and peace in Northern Ireland advanced.

In our several meetings, I have got to know Prime Minister Blair as a pleasant person and capable leader. On behalf of Finland and myself, I wish to thank Prime Minister Blair for the excellent cooperation in both bilateral and European and global issues. I would like to wish him every success for the future and his successor all the best in his challenging task.