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The Heads of State of Estonia and Luxembourg deemed it important that the present functioning principles of the European Union be preserved
05.05.2003


Left: His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri, the President Arnold Rüütel, Mrs Ingrid Rüütel, H.R.H. Grand Duchess Maria TeresaIn his speech delivered at the Grand Ducal Palace during the festive dinner in honour of President Rüütel and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel Grand Duke Henri emphasized common features between Estonia and Luxembourg: "Our meeting couldn't have taken place at a more suitable moment. It is taking place in a time when many difficulties of the past will be left in history and new prospects can be seen to emerge, thanks to which Estonia and Luxembourg are going to be partners." Reminiscing about the history, the Grand Duke observed that the smart action of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania reminded him of the far-sighted steps taken 60 years ago, which resulted in the birth of Benelux. The Grand Duke also stressed that we should see to it that vital European achievements like the principles of cooperation and equality of Member States were not called into question while building Europe.

The Estonian Head of State in his reply speech underscored the same values: "Estonia is owing Luxembourg thanks for having supported the enlargement of the European Union. Estonia received an invitation to start accession talks 1997 in this very city during the presidency of Luxembourg. The signatures made a few weeks ago at the EU Summit in Athens were results of the work supported actively by Luxembourg."

Before the dinner, an exchange of decorations and gifts had taken place. President Rüütel had conferred on Grand Duke Henri the Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana and the Grand Duke on the President of the Republic the Grand Cross of the Order of Adolph de Nassau.


Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 5, 2003


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