Incoming EU president pays quick visit to Finland

Herman Van Rompuy, who was just appointed the first permanent President of the European Council, paid a quick visit to Helsinki, Finland on Wednesday at the invitation of Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen.

During their meeting, Van Rompuy and Vanhanen discussed the implementation of the EU's Treaty of Lisbon, as well as the economic and financial situation. They also talked about EU enlargement and relations between the EU and Russia.

Van Rompuy praised Finland's achievements in the EU, vowed to work hard and promised to make small member states' voices heard in the EU.

Finnish President Tarja Halonen also met with Van Rompuy on Wednesday. During their meeting, they discussed the EU's relations with Russia.

Van Rompuy was appointed President of the European Council at the informal meeting of EU heads of state or government in Brussels on Nov. 19. The former Belgian prime minister will formally take office as the EU's first president in January.

Source: Xinhua