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The President of the Republic of Turkey started his state visit to Estonia18.04.2002
The President of the Republic of Turkey, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, making at the invitation of President Rüütel a state visit to Estonia, arrived today in Tallinn. This afternoon, the official welcoming ceremony on the occasion of the state visit took place in front of the Kadriorg Presidential Palace, where the Band of the Estonian Defence Forces played the Turkish and Estonian national anthems and the Heads of State inspected the guard of honour. The guests were greeted by members of the Riigikogu and Government as well as by several high-ranking officials.
During their meeting at the Kadriorg Presidential Palace the Presidents of Estonia and Turkey discussed the relations between our two countries. President Rüütel called the Estonian-Turkish relationship excellent but economic contacts and exchange of information between us should be enlivened. The Estonian President thanked Turkey for its support to Estonia's accession to NATO and assured Estonia to be continuously making efforts to deserve the NATO membership. President Sezer assured that Turkey supported the accession of all three Baltic States to NATO and explained the open-door-policy of NATO meaning that all countries qualifying should be admitted to the alliance.
At the meeting, also promotion of cultural and educational relations between Estonia and Turkey was under discussion. President Rüütel said that there was great interest in Turkish language and culture in Estonia, and it was possible to study Turkish at several Estonian educational establishments already. He also thanked Turkey for scholarships offered to Estonian students for the years 2002-2003.
President Sezer presented to the President of Estonia an invitation to visit Turkey.
Later in the afternoon, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer layed a wreath at the memorial to the teachers and students of the Reaalkool fallen in the War of Independence.
In the evening at the House of Blackheads, the President of the Republic and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel will host a festive dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, and Mrs Semra Sezer.
Tomorrow, on April 19, the Presidents will visit the Concordia University, where the Turkish President will give a speech.
In the afternoon, the official farewell ceremony in honour of the President of Turkey will take place at Tallinn airport.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 18, 2002
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