Tuomioja and Rice tackle global warming

In a step that helps pave the way to Finland’s upcoming presidency of the Europian Union, Erkki Tuomioja, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, began his two day visit to Washington D.C. by meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.


Erkki Tuomioja and Condoleezza Rice.

The meeting, which took place at the State Department, covered a broad range of topics that included cooperation in crisis management and the promotion of democracy. The prevention of global warming was an important discussion topic.

During the press conference following the meeting, reporters questioned the minister on climate issues. “Even though the European Union approaches climate change from the context of the Kyoto Protocol and the United States is interested in technological advances, the goals are the same. Right now we are looking beyond Kyoto at the next steps,” Tuomioja said.

Finland will host the European Union Presidency for the second half of 2006 and much of Tuomioja's current visit is devoted to preparing for that role. In addition to presiding over the Union, Finland has the opportunity to set its agenda. Finland will also lead the European Union's foreign policy during that period.

All in all Tuomioja has seen the United States become more interested in the European Union over the years.“The more the Union finds a single voice, the more interest there is,” Tuomioja stated. In his view there is no competition between the two.

Tuomioja also took the opportunity to express his full support for former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari who was named UN negotiator to Kosovo. The announcement was made at the UN during Tuomioja’s press conference.

Tuomioja's visit will include meetings at the Pentagon with Ambassador Eric S. Edelman, at the US Senate with Senator Richard G. Lugar, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and at the White House with Dr. J.D. Crouch II, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor, among others.