President Halonen at Year 1809 celebrations in Porvoo and St. Petersburg

"The period of autonomy that lasted over a hundred years was highly meaningful in our country's history. Our views regarding its nature and significance have been influenced by the years of oppression and later events," President Halonen summed up in her speech at the ceremonies celebrating the bicentenary of the Porvoo Diet on Saturday, 28 March 2009. "The values, culture, legal system and administrative structures that developed under Swedish rule are still the foundations of our society today." President Halonen also took part in another event linked to the Year 1809. On Sunday, 29 March she travelled to St. Petersburg for the opening of the "Finland 200 Years in St. Petersburg" event, which was also attended by St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko. The bilateral talks that were held before the opening focused on relations between Finland and Russia and particularly the Baltic Sea.

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen, Dr Pentti Arajärvi, Speaker Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen admire the commemorative coins that were presented to them in Porvoo on 28 March 2009. Photo: Lehtikuva

In her speech at the ceremonies marking the bicentenary of the Porvoo Diet, President Halonen said that the period of autonomy signified the establishment of Finland's own central administration as well as economic growth brought by increasing trade with Russia. "Finland shifted from being under the rule of a king to being part of an empire. There were no possibilities to make our own choices. These only came after we achieved full independence."

According to President Halonen, the significance of the Porvoo Diet and the effect of having the Emperor as the Grand Duke of Finland have been studied for two hundred years. They nevertheless formed a foundation in defending Finland's autonomous position during the years of oppression. "In the fight for rights during the years of oppression, faith in justice and legality in building society united all Finns regardless of language or social status. In international relations we are still considered legalists, who emphasize the significance of international agreements and in general law and justice," President Halonen said.

President Halonen also participated in the main bicentenary event at the Porvoo Cathedral, where a production entitled "A Song for Finland" was performed. Through drama and music this depicts the background of the Porvoo Diet as well as the proceedings in Porvoo two centuries ago.

Finland 200 Years in St. Petersburg

On Sunday President Halonen travelled to the opening of the "Finland 200 Years in St. Petersburg" event. The opening was also attended by St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko. The bilateral talks that were held before the opening focused on relations between Finland and Russia and particularly the Baltic Sea.

According to President Halonen, the Baltic Sea will remain a high priority in future. St. Petersburg has shown a good example in its environmental policy and President Halonen hoped that development would continue. Governor Matviyenko thanked President Halonen for her active role in environmental and Baltic Sea issues. She also emphasized the importance of relations between Finland and Russia and the special position of the St. Petersburg region. She added that St. Petersburg has become the capital of the Northern Dimension.

In her speech at the opening ceremonies, President Halonen noted that during the period of autonomy, dealings between Finland and St. Petersburg expanded to all areas of life. In recent years links between Finland and St. Petersburg have steadily strengthened and St. Petersburg and the surrounding region are the main destination for Finland's exports and investments in Russia.

"A cleaner Baltic Sea would be our region's finest gift to sustainable development and future generations. We must intensify cooperation and take more effective measures to save our common sea," President Halonen said. "The Northern Dimension policy offers a viable framework for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. Partnerships under the Northern Dimension have already produced good results in many areas and they should also be developed and used in the future."

The programme at the opening included a concert by the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra at the Church of St. Mary and a reception at the residence of Finland's Consul General in St. Petersburg.

The start of Finland's period of autonomy in 1809 will be commemorated this year in Finland with numerous state and local events. The year 1809 will also be commemorated in Russia. Finland will arrange a broad series of events in St. Petersburg that will begin in March, climax with the inauguration of Finland House in October and conclude with Independence Day celebrations in December.

Speech by President Halonen in St. Petersburg

1809 - Building a Nation