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The President met the Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen21.11.2001
At his meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland Paavo Lipponen, the President of the Republic Arnold Rüütel acknowledged Finland for the support to Estonia in the accession process to the European Union. During the talks, Estonia's preparations and the current state of the accession process were touched upon. Prime Minister Lipponen expressed his support to Estonia in the efforts to join the European Union and NATO. He emphasised the importance of the Member States of the European Union acting as an integral entity, and that both large and small Member States are equal partners in the decision-making process.
President Rüütel brought up the issue of developing the Via Baltica and stressed that the realisation of this project would strongly contribute to the North-South co-operation.
While dwelling on the very good bilateral relations it was noted that there are excellent prospects for the scientific co-operation and the co-operation in the field of modern technologies. According to the President of the Republic there are no limits for the development of scientific co-operation, and there are many possibilities to promote its further development. Prime Minister Lipponen observed that co-operation could be fostered in the field of biotechnology as well.
President Rüütel also touched upon the topic of attaining independence for the Estonian energy system. ''The best way to do it would be involving regional co-operation; a common gas and electricity market should be created around the Baltic Sea. Establishment of links to Northern and Central Europe and access to the power-market of the Nordic Countries are vital for Estonia,'' President stated. According to his words Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all very interested in installing an underwater cable between Estonia and Finland, which would constitute the first practical step in connecting the Estonian energy-system to that of Europe.
The President's two-day visit to Finland passed by in a very open and friendly atmosphere and lasted twice as long as planned.
Tonight, the President of the Republic will host a reception at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki and confer decorations of the Republic of Estonia on prominent cultural and public figures of Finland.
President Rüütel will return to Estonia at midnight.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, November 21, 2001
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