CENTENARY OF FINNISH INDEPENDENCE

That this house congratulates Finland on celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Independence Day on 6 December 2017; recognises the success that Finland has made of its independence; notes that the occasion was commemorated by the Government with a ceremonial session of the Senate of Finland which drafted the declaration of independence in 1917; further notes that the theme for this centenary year is "together", meaning that everyone including Finns and friends of Finns, is welcome to take part; appreciates projects such as The Life of Art, the Helsinki Ice Challenge and the Finland photo challenge through which this occasion has been commemorated; and encourages other states to celebrate this important occasion.