President Askar Akajev of the Kyrgyz Republic made a working visit to Finland on 2-4 April 2003 at the invitation of President of the Republic Tarja Halonen. The reception ceremonies and official discussions between the presidents took place at the Presidential Palace on Thursday 3 April, in addition to which President Akajev met President Martti Ahtisaari and the Vice Speaker of the Parliament Liisa Jaakonsaari and gave a lecture at the Paasikivi Society. His programme also included visits to Finnish companies and the Mannerheim Museum.