Finland and Sweden Mark 200th Anniversary of Split
Leaders of Finland and Sweden met in the Swedish capital Stockholm on Thursday to mark the bicentennial of Finland’s disengagement from Swedish rule.
In 1809, Sweden lost Finland in a war with Russia. Finland eventually became an autonomous duchy under the Russian Tsar, before becoming independent in 1917.
President Tarja Halonen attended the opening of the commemoration at the Swedish Parliament along with the Swedish royal family.
Also taking part in the event was Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and Speaker of Parliament Sauli Niinistö.
Speeches by the Finnish representatives underscored the historical ties between Finland and Sweden, and the national minorities in both countries.
The first day of the celebration culminated in a dinner at the Royal Palace in Stockholm.
On Friday, Halonen visits the municipality of Botcyrka, where she will visit a Finnish language school and meet with representatives of Finnish immigrants.
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