President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Doctor Pentti Arajärvi hosted the traditional dinner for the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Finland and their spouses at the Presidential Palace on Thursday 24 April 2003. The annual dinner was attended by 180 guests. In addition to the diplomatic corps, the guest list included the members of Finland’s newly-appointed government along with top-ranking civil servants. The President of the Republic opened the dinner with a welcome speech, which was answered by the Dean of the diplomatic corps, HE Mrs Martha Chavarri Dupuy, Ambassador of Peru.
The Guard’s Band conducted by Major Elias Seppälä entertained the guests, followed by Finnish opera singer Jaakko Ryhänen accompanied by pianist Ilkka Paajanen.
Menu
Crème de Pommes de Terre à l’Ortie
Filet d’Omble Chevalier aux Petits Légumes
Sauce à l’Asperge Verte
Suprêmes de Poulet Farcis à la Ciboule
Sauce au Vin Rouge et aux Morilles
Fraises au Sabayon à la Rhubarbe
Crème Glacée au Chocolat Blanc
Speech by President Halonen at the dinner for the diplomatic corps