Office of the President of the Republic
Press Release 23/2016
9 May 2016
President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and his spouse will travel to Washington later this week on the invitation of President of the United States Barack Obama. President Niinistö will make an official visit to the White House with other Nordic leaders.
The programme begins on Friday morning on 13 May on the White House South Lawn with the official reception ceremony. President Niinistö will give a speech during the ceremony.
The US – Nordic Leaders’ Summit will take place in the White House during the morning. The leaders will discuss cooperation between the Nordic countries and the United States in areas such as terrorism and countering violent extremism, nuclear safety and Arctic affairs. Topics of discussion will also include European security, trade relations, and migration and the refugee crisis.
Following the discussions, Secretary of State John Kerry will host a lunch to the leaders at the U.S. Department of State. Friday’s programme will end with a state dinner hosted by President Obama and his spouse Michelle Obama at the White House.
On Saturday morning President Niinistö will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
The other Nordic countries will be represented by their prime ministers. The leaders will be accompanied by the foreign ministers. The foreign ministers will have a separate meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry. President Niinistö’s delegation will consist of Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini.
The Presiden’t spouse Jenni Haukio and the spouses of other Nordic leaders are also accompanying. The spouses will have their own programme, hosted by Michelle Obama. This includes a visit to the Renwick Gallery displaying American art and handcraft.