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The President of the Republic met with the King and Prime Minister of Sweden
31.01.2003


President Arnold Rüütel and Swedish Prime Minister Göran PerssonPresident Arnold Rüütel this morning continuing his working visit to Sweden met Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson and, in the afternoon, King Carl XVI Gustaf.

The Estonian Head of State and Prime Minister Persson talked about topics connected with the future of the European Union. Both sides emphasized the importance of co-operation between not only Estonia and Sweden but also the Baltic States and Nordic Countries in the Convention on the future of Europe and also in the European Union after its enlargement.

President Rüütel thanked Sweden for supporting Estonia in its preparations to join the European Union and in building up its Defence Forces. Prime Minister Persson expressed satisfaction with Estonia having had the chance to opt for NATO; yet Sweden has decided to stay neutral since every country is entitled to choose its own course of security policy.

Today at noon, President Rüütel at the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry delivered a lecture on the state of Estonian agriculture before joining the European Union.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and President Arnold RüütelIn the afternoon, the Estonian Head of State met King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden talking with him about the development of the Estonian-Swedish relations, conservation in the Baltic Sea region, and the future of the European Union. The King and the Estonian Head of State also recalled their previous meetings. President Rüütel extended to Carl XVI Gustaf an invitation to visit Estonia.

In the evening, the President at the Estonian House of Stockholm will give a lecture on the last year's developments in Estonia. Thereafter, the Chairman of the Estonian Committee, Jaan Vilval, will host a dinner in honour of the Head of State.

President Rüütel will return to Estonia on Saturday before noon.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 31, 2003


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