President Niinistö discussing with President of France Francois Hollande and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and King Abdullah II of Jordan in Aachen. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic
Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 26/2015
14 May 2015
President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö discussed the Ukrainian crisis with President Poroshenko in Aachen, Germany, on 14 May. The presidents exchanged views on the situation in Eastern Ukraine, the EU sanctions against Russia, and Ukrainian reforms.
In addition to the crisis in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East was also on the table in Aachen as President Niinistö held bilateral talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Discussion topics included the situation in Syria and Iraq, the fight against terrorism ISIL, and the refugee situation in the Middle East. The heads of state also discussed radicalisation and opportunities for cooperation in preventing it.
President Niinistö attended the award ceremony of the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany, on 13–14 May. This year, the prestigious prize was awarded to President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, for his efforts to strengthen European unification.
Several European heads of state participated in the award ceremony, including Joachim Gauck, Federal President of Germany; Francois Hollande, President of France; Felipe VI, King of Spain; and Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania as well as Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission; and Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.