Relationships between Finland and Hungary are undergoing a renaissance now that both are members of the European Union, said Halonen, who addressed the audience in Budapest as "dear relatives".
The Finnish language is one of the only in the world that is similar to Hungarian, creating a special kinship between Finns and Hungarians.
Halonen said it was of special significance that the exhibition could be opened on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the iron curtain. "This day is a celebration for all of Europe," she said.
Several programmes will accompany the exhibition, including smaller, temporary exhibitions, Halonen said. In September, a show of Finnish design will take place.
"The Finns are always very interested to see how others view them, especially their distant, but warm-hearted relatives," she said.
Sólyom stressed the importance of the Museum of Ethnography's efforts to nurture the relationship between Hungary and Finland. "We have to appreciate [our friends]," he said.
Museum director Zoltán Fejös said the exhibition shows well the Finn's fine mix of tradition and modernity.
"How We See the Finns - Finland: A Hungarian Perspective explores factors that have shaped and influenced how Hungarians have viewed the Finns from the late 19th century until the present. It will be open from June 27 until November 28, 2010.
The exhibition's chief curator is Zsuzsanna Szarvas.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
