Lenin's 150th birth anniversary observed

The 150th anniversary of the birth of Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin was observed in Finland on Wednesday.

Bouquets of flowers were laid at a statue of Lenin in Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland.

Timo Soikkanen, emeritus professor of political history at Turku University and the official historian of the Finnish Foreign Ministry, told Xinhua that before the Russian Revolution, Lenin received help in Finland beyond ideological frontiers.

Lenin was one of the first foreign leaders to recognize the independence of Finland at the end of 1917, Soikkanen added.

The 150th anniversary of Lenin's birth was also commemorated by the Finnish Communist Party.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the party paid tribute to Lenin, noting that Lenin devoted his life to the fight against exploitation and oppression.

The party said Lenin's works are milestones in the spread and development of Marxism and in the revolutionary struggle, mentioning that it has been inspired by Lenin's thoughts and efforts.