Dinner for the Diplomatic Corps at the Presidential Palace

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.

President Halonen and doctor Arajärvi. Photo: Lehtikuva.

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

Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Ms. Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and Mr. Bynum Hunter greeting the presidential couple. Photo: Lehtikuva.

Prime Minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki. Photo: Lehtikuva.

Speech by President Halonen at the dinner for the diplomatic corps