Downing Street Bulletin
Tony Blair met his Finnish counterpart in Number 10 for
talks ahead of an informal summit of European leaders later
this month.
Finland currently have Presidency of the EU
and Matti Vanhanen and Mr Blair covered a wide range of
issues during their Downing Street discussions.
Speaking
to journalists afterwards, the PM praised Mr Vanhanen for
his handling of the Presidency so far, adding:
"There are
really difficult issues, but I think as ever Finland has
shown itself extremely capable of dealing with them."
Mr
Vanhanen's stated priorities for his six-month Presidency
include the future of the EU, competitiveness, external
relations, and justice and home affairs.
The two leaders
will meet again at an informal summit of the 25 member
nations in Finland later this month.
Looking ahead to the summit in Lahti on October 20, the PM said migration, energy policy and the importance of innovation in Europe's economy would be on the agenda.
Mr Blair went on to answer questions about the NATO forces operating in Afghanistan, of which Finland are a part.
• Read the press conference
transcript
While in London, Prime Minister Vanhanen will
deliver a lecture on the challenges of globalisation at the
London School of Economics.
Government
news
• Afternoon press briefing from 4 October 2006
• "Unique opportunity" for all parties in Northern
Ireland - PM
• PM reflects on trade prospects during
trip to Spanish capital
Ends