FM praises role of Rex Tillerson

Foreign Minister Timo Soini recalled on Tuesday the international contribution of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, hours after the latter was sacked by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Interviewed on national television Yle on Tuesday evening, Soini recalled Tillerson's role when the chairmanship of the Arctic Council was transferred from the United States to Finland last May at a meeting in Alaska.

Soini noted that Tillerson had been constructive in helping to formulate the declaration given and to get it accepted. Soini described Tillerson as a moderate long time business leader.

Soini added that the policies of great powers do not depend on individuals alone, but on long term choices of line.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced to replace Tillerson with Mike Pompeo, director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The nomination was waiting for the confirmation of the Senate.