President Halonen met President Obama in Prague

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen participated in the EU-US Informal Summit that was held in Prague on 5 April 2009. During the summit she spoke with US President Barack Obama, and they also chatted about what would be the best time of the year to visit Finland.In evaluating the summit at a press conference, President Halonen emphasized the United States' positive attitude towards Europe. She applauded the partnership-based approach with which the United States' new President has built relations with Europe. President Halonen also noted that the new administration's policies are largely in line with European views.

President Halonen and US President Barack Obama shaking hands at the EU-US Summit. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic

Concerning the situation in Afghanistan, which was one of the topics discussed at the summit, President Halonen said that the operation in Afghanistan is aimed at protecting democracy. It is not possible to have democracy, however, if half of the population is left out of the process. She therefore called for the strengthening of women's role in the democracy process.

The EU-US Informal Summit addressed such themes as the economic and financial crisis, climate change, energy security and international relations, particularly with Pakistan and Iran as well as Afghanistan.

From Prague President Halonen travelled to Istanbul, where she participated in the second Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations on 6-7 April 2009. The goal of the forum, which is supported by the UN, is to promote dialogue particularly between the Western countries and the Islamic world.

Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (left), French President Nicolas Sarkozy, US President Barack Obama, President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic