“Finland is strong in terms of its alliance consciousness whereas Korea is striking in terms of its dynamism.”
All Finnish embassies around the world organised a reception
for Finland’s 100th anniversary of independence, and numerous Finnish
communities held parties to celebrate their home country. Millions
of people congratulated the hundred-year-old Finland with images and messages in the social media.
Over 400 guests attending Finland 100th Independence reception. (Courtesy; Embassy of Finland) |
The centenary of Finland’s independence has been celebrated
across Finland and around
the world. A range of events that took place over several days
culminated in the Independence Day evening and the blue-and-white fireworks displays in many cities, according the Embassy of Finland.
Finland’s 100th anniversary
will remain in Finland’s history as the most extensive and diverse
jubilee year that Finns
and friends of Finland created together.
Finland envoy Eero Suominen couple (right) welcoming invited guests. (Courtesy: Embassy of Finland) |
Without exception in Seoul, Korea as well, The Embassy of Finland
celebrated the 100th Independence day on Monday the 4th of
December at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Some 400 guests from the
diplomatic community, representatives of Korean business,
government, academia and media as well as Finnish business
representatives attended it.
Finland Amb. Eero Suominen posing with Finland community, wrapping up its fete. (Courtesy: Embassy of Finland) |
The program for the evening consisted of a speech from the
Finnish Ambassador Eero Suominen, congratulatory remarks by
Member of the Korean National Assembly, Ms. Park Ju-heyon, and a wonderful performance from talented Finnish Kantele
artist Maija Kauhanen.
Stressing that Finland has entered into an advanced welfare
country since long time ago, Finland Amb. Eero Suominen names
Finland images as high education level & fever, high technology
power, high design level etc., touching upon attaching values highly
on education and diligence between Korea & Finland. Echoing same
opinion, Assembly woman Ms. Park Ju-heyon said that Finland is strong in terms of its alliance consciousness
whereas Korea is striking in terms of its dynamism.
Starting in 1809 and up to independence, Finland formed an
autonomous grand duchy in the Russian Empire. This proved to
be an important time for laying the societal and administrative
groundwork that allowed the Finns to break with Russia in 1917.
Before 1809, the area that is now Finland had been under Swedish
rule since at least the 13th century, according to Suominen.
While the centenary forms the perfect opportunity for a great big
party, it’s also an occasion for contemplation and insight. The 100-year mark offers a chance for people to look back to understand
the way the nation emerged, but also to gaze ahead to the future
to see what Finland can still become, said Finland Amb. Eero
Suominen through his acceptacne speech on the occasion of
the Top Amb. Award ceremony held last month.
To show their solidarity among EU zone countries, envoys from
Europe circle stationed in Seoul, Korea were on hand including
Denmark Amb. Thomas Lehmann, Czech Amb. Tomas Husak,
Sweden Amb. Anne Hglund, Spain Amb. Gonzalo Ortiz Diez-Tortosa, Slovak Amb. Milan Lajciak, Netherlands Amb. Lody
Embrechts, Latvia Amb. Peteris Vaivars and last but not least
Russia Amb. Alexander Timonin mostly with their spouses.
In recognition of Finland Amb. Eero Suominen’s excellent diplomatic activities throughout the year which
contributed to the image boosting of Finland among Korean
peoples, NDNnews (www.ndnnews.co.kr) & The Korea Culture
Ambassador Friendship Association bestowed this year’s Top Amb. Award on him at the Memorial Hall, National
Assembly last month.