Finland celebrates Pavilion Day
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| Officials tour the Finland Pavilion. |
Finnish President Tarja Halonen announced the opening of the Finland Pavilion Day this morning at the Expo Center.
Halonen said this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and China, and China is now Finland's leading trade partner in Asia and fourth-largest partner worldwide. She noted "there is still a lot of potential for growth in cooperation."
Finland hopes to strengthen its cooperation with China and other countries by participating in the Expo and the pavilion "Kirnu" is an example of modern Finnish architecture, design and sustainable building.
China's Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said China and Finland has witnessed fruitful cooperation over the years and the Expo would serve as a new platform for the two people to enhance friendship and exchange.
At the ceremony, Finnish artists teamed with their Chinese counterparts to put on performances, which include accordion and pipa (Chinese lute) music along with a dance by the Finnish National Ballet.
The 3,000-square-meter pavilion is in Zone C next to the Denmark Pavilion. Its theme is "Well-being, Competence and Environment."
The day will be packed with music such as pop, jazz, rock, metal and others. The program includes the Five Corners Quintet, Kimmo Phojonen, Villa Nah, Turisas, Stratovarius, Top Billin and Negative, one of the best known European glam rock bands founded in 1997.
Famous Finnish children's theater Moominpappa at Sea will put on performances with Moomin Valley and Finnish fairy tales. There will be shows at 12pm and 4pm.
The design of "Kirnu" (Giant's Kettle) is inspired by nature and it is surrounded by water.
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