President Halonen travelling to St. Petersburg for opening of 1809 commemoration

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 17 March 2009

On 29 March 2009 President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi will attend the opening of the "Finland 200 Years in St. Petersburg" event. The opening will also be attended by St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko. President Halonen and Governor Matviyenko will have bilateral discussions before the opening, where both will speak.

The programme of the opening includes a concert by the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra at the Church of St. Mary and a reception at the residence of the Finnish 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 practically throughout the year. This will climax with the inauguration of Finland House in October and conclude with Independence Day celebrations in December.