On February 5th, the Embassy of China in Finland successfully held the 2024 “Happy Chinese New Year” reception and theatrical performance in Helsinki. H.E. Ambassador Wang Tongqing, H.E. Sari Essayah, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Kimmo Kiljunen, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Finnish Parliament, and Juha Ahonen, Executive Director of Cultural and Leisure Services of the City of Helsinki, among other distinguished guests, attended the aforementioned events. More than 300 people, including representations of Chinese enterprises, overseas Chinese and students in Finland, other Finnish friends and envoys from Asian countries were present.
In his speech, Ambassador Wang stated that people-to-people and cultural exchanges are important parts of China-Finland relations, making significant contributions to the healthy, stable and smooth development of the bilateral relations. He said that “Happy Chinese New Year” brought a touch of red to the Finnish Winter, adding more colors and significance to the cultural exchanges between China and Finland.
Juha Ahonen conveyed New Year greetings to the Chinese people on behalf of the Helsinki Municipal Government, and said that throughout these years, “Happy Chinese New Year” left beautiful memories to the city of Helsinki, and the Chinese traditional culture it represented has made remarkable contributions to Helsinki as a capital for diversified cultures. He hoped that Chinese culture could continue to show its unique charm in Helsinki.
Representatives from the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Finland, the Chinese community in Finland and CSSA-Finland delivered New Year wishes to everyone present in Chinese, English and Finnish languages.
Since Beijing and Helsinki enjoy sister-city relationship, the Municipal People’s Government of Beijing has also provided strong support. During the event, performers from Beijing and local community presented a fantastic cultural performance, and the performers and audience alike, in a warm, friendly and festive atmosphere, exchanged their best wishes for the Year of the Dragon with each other.
