Former President of Finland visits Azerbaijan House in Helsinki
Stockholm, April 9, AZERTAC
Former President of Finland Tarja Halonen, the country’s first female president, visited the Azerbaijan House in Helsinki as an honorary guest.
The event was organized by Ulviyya Jabbarova, Chairperson of the “Azer-Turk” Youth Organization and head of the Helsinki Azerbaijan House, with support from Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Diaspora. Jabbarova welcomed Halonen, highlighting the visit’s significance and the pride it brought to the Azerbaijan House.
The gathering was attended by Kirsti Narinen, Ambassador of Finland to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, members of the diplomatic corps, Halonen’s adviser, and other guests.
The program began with a short video showcasing the activities of the Azerbaijan House. Sura Aghaverdiyeva, a teacher at the House, emphasized the importance of preserving the Azerbaijani language abroad, noting that the mother tongue serves as a cornerstone of national identity for children living overseas.
Students then performed songs in Azerbaijani and Finnish, followed by an artistic program featuring classical and national music by Leyli Huseynova, soloist of the Finnish Opera and Ballet Theatre, and pieces by Mona Savojifar, Coordinator of the Scandinavian Azerbaijani Coordination Council.
Former President Halonen shared her positive impressions of Azerbaijan, noting the vital role of cultural exchange in strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and Finland. She highlighted concerts, cultural events, and presentations of Azerbaijan’s national cuisine as effective tools for enhancing bilateral ties.
During a Q&A session, children and other participants addressed questions to Halonen. The event also included discussions on further developing cooperation between the two countries.
Books translated from Azerbaijani literature into Finnish by writer Tahira Jafarova and handicrafts made by students of the Azerbaijan House were presented to Halonen as gifts.
Kirsti Narinen praised Azerbaijan, highlighting cooperation achieved during COP29, and commended Ulviyya Jabbarova for her initiative and active engagement, which contributed to the successful organization of many activities at the House.
The program concluded with a tea reception, where guests exchanged views in a friendly atmosphere.
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