Helsinki, Finland

On Thursday 28 April 2016, at the Government Guest House, Helsinki, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove, attended a briefing by the Australian Ambassador to Sweden, Finland, Latvia and Estonia, His Excellency Mr Gerald Thomson.

Afterwards, at the Presidential Palace, Helsinki, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the President of the Republic of Finland, His Excellency Mr Sauli Niinistö and Mrs Jenni Haukio, attended a Welcome Ceremony.

Later, the Governor-General met with President Niinistö, while Lady Cosgrove met with Mrs Haukio.

Then, at the Mannerheim Museum, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of Curator, Ms Kristina Ranki, received a guided tour.

Afterwards, at the City Hall, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Mayor of Helsinki, Mr Jussi Pajunen and the Chair of the City of Helsinki, Ms Mari Puoskari, attended a City of Helsinki lunch briefing.

Later, at Defence Command, the Governor-General met with the Commander of the Finnish Defence Force, General Jarmo Lindberg, at which he received a briefing.

Then, at the Hietaniemi Cemetery, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a ceremony, at which they laid a wreath at the Cross of Heroes and at the resting place of Marshal Mannerheim.

In the afternoon, at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President Strategic Research, Professor Anne-Christine Ritschkoff, were briefed on the Centre’s innovative research and viewed the facilities.

In the evening, at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as Guests of Honour of President Niinistö and Mrs Haukio, attended a State Dinner.