President Halonen to make official visit to Croatia

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 18 August 2009

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi will make an official visit to Croatia on 1-3 September 2009.

President Halonen will start the visit by meeting with President Stjepan Mesić, with whom she will conduct bilateral talks on Wednesday, 2 September. The Presidents will discuss the development of relations between Finland and Croatia, the prospects for Croatia's accession to the EU and regional questions in the Western Balkans. The programme will also include a speech before a select audience.

During the visit President Halonen will also meet with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and Speaker of Parliament Luka Bebić.

Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb will be in the delegation accompanying the President of the Republic.

After the visit on 4 September President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi will remain in Croatia for a private trip. They will return to Finland on 5 September.