European co-operation discussed during the Italian state visit

President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy is on a state visit to Finland on 8 – 10 September, 2008. Discussions with President Tarja Halonen focused on bilateral relations between Finland and Italy, the EU enlargement and the political situation in the Balkans and in Southern Caucasus. ‘We knew that there were long-lasting historical conflicts in Caucasus, and that the situation was not as ‘frozen’. However, the events that took place were a surprise for us’, President Halonen said at a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 9 September. ‘It was sad that we were unable to prevent the conflict, but the positive thing is that we have been able to calm the situation in the region’. According to President Halonen, the prospects for co-operation are relatively optimistic and the EU has had an important role in the negotiations. ‘We have been tough but co-operative in the European Union’.

Mrs Clio Napolitano, President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano, President Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

According to President Napolitano, it is important to further develop a common security policy at the European level. ‘During the last weeks - in connection with the crisis in Georgia - Europe has shown that it is able to speak in one voice’, President Napolitano emphasized. Both Presidents noted that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, has had a significant role in the conflict resolution and that Finland, the current holder of the OSCE Chairmanship, and Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb have done a good job.

The ratification of the Lisbon Treaty is important

President Halonen described the atmosphere of the discussions as warm, ‘family-like’. ‘The relations between Finland and Italy are excellent but there is still a lot do, in the cultural sphere and other areas of co-operation’, President Napolitano said and thanked Finland for its commitment to international co-operation. “Finland has been able to use well this role at different times’.

At the press conference, the Presidents also stressed the importance of the Lisbon Treaty. ‘We both warmly support the EU enlargement’, President Halonen underlined.

The press conference of the state visit is available as a video recording on the Internet.

On Wednesday, 10 September, President Napolitano will lay a wreath at the Hietaniemi cemetery, visit the Parliament and meet Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. Cultural programme is also included in the state visit. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy Franco Frattini is accompanying President Napolitano.