The ceremony to mark the bicentenary of the separation in 1809 of Finland and Sweden got under way in Stockholm today in the presence of Swedish King Carl Gustaf and Finnish President Tarja Halonen, DPA reported. The year 1809 has different connotations in the two countries - if remembered at all as a historic date, as several speakers and historians have observed. The two heads of state attended the ceremony in the Swedish parliament where dignitaries included the speakers of both the Finnish and the Swedish legislatures, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Finnish Prime Matti Vcnhq and Swedish Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria and Madeleine. The coming year includes numerous joint exhibitions and events in both countries with many artists, musicians and conductors employed by institutions in both countries. "Many events are linked to music and dance where language divides do not matter as much," said Henrik Wilen, head of cultural affairs at the Finnish embassy. Swedish commemorative stamps and a special 1-krona (12 US cents) coin - to be used in regular circulation - were also presented.
