Former long-time prime minister Paavo Lipponen has paid tribute to the late Helena Petäistö, saying she was at the very top of her profession. His comment places Petäistö among the best-known Finnish foreign correspondents and underlines the respect she commanded in the field.

Lipponen said he had received a message from Petäistö only a few days ago, making the news of her death especially sudden for those who were in contact with her. Ilta-Sanomat reported the remarks in its domestic news coverage.