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President of the Republic at the presentation of the credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia His Excellency Prof. Ali Bousnina on 1 November 200101.11.2001
Your Excellency,
Mr Ambassador!
I am glad to welcome you as the first Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to the Republic of Estonia.
Estonia and Tunisia are both small countries, both have fought hard for their independence, both countries have extensive co-operation with European countries and wish to become more closely integrated with the European Union.
I would like to remind you here that Tunisia is far from being unknown to Estonians. While in the XIX century the knowledge of Estonians of Tunisia could be regarded as modest yet, at the beginning of the XX century well-known Estonian artists and writers went to discover the unique culture, nature and people of Tunisia. Soon the first steps in the field of trade in goods followed. Opening of a consular representation in Tunisia was discussed as well, but this aim was not reached before World War II. Maybe today, in the XXI century, we will have an opportunity to implement that plan within the framework of co-operation between Estonia and Tunisia.
It is the intention of Estonia to have more active relations with Tunisia, and finding a honorary consul would contribute a lot to that aim. We appreciate your suggestions and advice.
Estonia is interested in the extension of mutual knowledge and broader economic contacts. An area of co-operation with good prospects is trusting and friendly co-operation in international organisations, above all in the U.N. Exchange of thoughts and sharing of experience about the co-operation of both countries with the European Union is also beneficial.
Many Estonians have also taken holiday trips to Tunisia in the recent years, as the climate there gives a wonderful opportunity for escaping from the cool Northern climate almost all the year round. Surely not all opportunities of the tourism sector have been used yet. And Estonia has something to present and offer to the citizens of Tunisia as well.
Mr Ambassador,
The current friendly and mutually interesting contacts between Estonia and Tunisia allow me to hope for the improvement of the relations between our two countries and achievement of joint goals together.
I wish you success and strength in your mission!
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