Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Gov. Jay Inslee, and First Spouse Trudi Inslee listen to a performance of the Finnish and American national anthems by the Finnish Choral Society of Seattle.
His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, visited the Washington State Capitol on Monday, March 6, 2023. He was received by Gov. Jay Inslee, and he addressed a Joint Session of the Washington State Legislature.
The president began a five-day tour in the United States with his visit to Washington state. The president's address was the first by a foreign head of state to the Washington State Legislature in the state's history.
The president’s visit included a greeting with the governor, a performance of the Finnish and American national anthems by the Finnish Choral Society of Seattle, and his remarks to a joint session of the Legislature. Niinistö and Inslee also led a Bilateral Meeting and hosted a joint media availability.
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The flags of the United States, Finland, and Washington state fly in front of the Washington State Capitol dome anticipating President Sauli Niinistö's arrival. Photo courtesy of the Washington State Senate.
Sen. Marko Liias, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö, First Spouse Trudi Inslee, Gov. Jay Inslee, Finnish Ambassador Mikko Hautala, and Consul General Okko-Pekka Salmimies hold for a photo in the governor’s office.
Gov. Jay Inslee and President Sauli Niinistö shake hands during the governor’s visit to Finland in September of 2022. The governor will host the president at the Washington State Capitol on Mar. 6, 2023.