On September 2, 2021, a solemn reception was held at the Embassy of Ukraine in Finland to mark the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government and Parliament of Finland, foreign diplomatic corps and military attaché accredited in Finland, numerous representatives of business, expert and cultural circles, media, as well as representatives of the Ukrainian community in Finland.
The solemn event was opened by the national anthems of Finland and Ukraine performed by the Ukrainian choir “Perespiv” and “Vertep”.
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Finland Olga Dibrova addressed the distinguished guests with a welcoming speech. In her speech, the Ambassador presented Ukraine Now - dynamic, creative, innovative, tourist and investment attractive. A country of freedom and dignity, a modern country with a thousand-year history and culture.
Olga Dibrova thanked Finland for its unwavering and consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including in the international arena, as well as for its significant practical assistance in implementing domestic reforms in our country.
The Ambassador also congratulated Ukrainians in Finland: “Wherever we are, we are always with the Motherland in our hearts. In Finland, this is felt in Ukrainian songs, in theatrical performances, in poetry, in children's clubs, in journalistic articles, in volunteering, and in your successes in various fields of activity in Finland. Thank you, and I wish you all good health and success to you and your families! And let's continue - with Ukraine in the heart! ".
Afterwards, the staff of the Embassy together with members of their family prayed for peace and prosperity in Ukraine, performing on the stage the spiritual anthem of Ukrainians - "Prayer for Ukraine".
The festivities ended with a jazz concert by the band "Jazzing Anna's trio" - Anna Salko (vocals), Ilkka Joronen (piano), Shane MacKenzie (bass).
During the reception, guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with the silk scarfs of the famous Ukrainian brand OLIZ, wooden mechanical 3D puzzles from UGEARS, as well as taste authentic Ukrainian dishes, an incredible korovai made by the master Natalia Ander, real Carpathian tea and drinks of Ukrainian companies Nemiroff, Bayadera Group, Galicia juices.
The special Ukrainian atmosphere and festive mood of the evening was created by the charming bandura player Ihor Subotyak and the incendiary DeluxeSound DJ’s Nikolay Pavlenko, and the speaker of the event was the Ukrainian basketball player Tymur Babkin.
We express our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors and partners, without whom this event would be impossible: Bayadera Group, Nemiroff, Chumak, Galicia, Oliz, Ugears, Insol, Seidat, Mexipal Oy, RVK Palvelut Oy, Konecranes, Hartwall, Orion, Ukrainian Association in Finland, Suomen Ukrainalaiset, Vertep.
Special thanks go to photographer Natalia Shen and videographer Gennady Naumov, whose incredible works will be published soon at Embassy's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UkrainianEmbassyFinland
More photos: https://www.facebook.com/UkrainianEmbassyFinland/posts/2582661621879055
Glory to Ukraine!