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The President of the Republic spoke at the opening of Festival ESTO in Riga27.06.2004
 President Arnold Rüütel and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel are on a visit to Latvia in order to attend the Estonian World Festival ESTO 2004 taking place in Riga.
Yesterday, President Rüütel met with the President of the Republic of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The Heads of State visited an art exhibition featuring works of Estonians living abroad entitled "Teel koju" (Homeward Bound) organised by Vaal Gallery at the Great Guild Hall of Riga and attended a concert by the Estonian United Boys' Choir Kalev.
This morning, the President of the Republic and Mrs Rüütel attended divine service at the Concert Hall "Ave Sol" (former St. Peter's and Paul's Church), which before World War II accommodated an Estonian congregation.
Mrs Ingrid Rüütel, subsequent to that, at the History Museum of Latvia opened the exhibitions "Estonian Jewellery" and "Estonian National Costume as a Symbol" organised by The Friends of Estonian National Museum. The Presidential Couple also called at the Cathedral Square, where a sweets ship of the Confectionary Kalev, docking there on the fringes of ESTO, gives pleasure to those having a sweet tooth.
Thereafter, the President of the Republic and Mrs Rüütel attended the opening ceremony of ESTO in front of the Congress House of Riga, where after opening addresses Estonian choirs and dance groups from all corners of the world performed.
The President of the Republic in his address called upon Estonian societies to preserve their archives and materials, to put down people's stories and life experience, and to send them for preservation to the Estonian Literary Museum in Tartu. "So, that we also after years had where to learn from and experience based on which to build up our strength," President Rüütel added.
The President of the Republic also spoke about keeping the Estonian flag and preserving the Estonian heritage far away from our native country. "Our thanks go to you who in exile preserved the Estonian identity and culture. It was definitely not easy, but your firm belief and conviction that sometime you would be able to return home gave you strength and staying power," said President Rüütel.
Subsequent to the opening ceremony, all festival participants walked in procession to the Freedom Monument, to which President Rüütel laid flowers. Thereafter, the attendees could watch a performance of military marching bands.
On top of that, Mrs Ingrid Rüütel in the afternoon at the Great Guild Hall opened the exhibition "Workshops of Estonian National Handicraft" organised by The Friends of Estonian National Museum. The Presidential Couple also called at the travelling shop of an Estonian blacksmith at the Livonian Square.
Thereafter, the President of the Republic and Mrs Rüütel at the City Government of Riga attended a reception given by Mayor Gundars Bojars on the occasion of ESTO, and visited the Estonian Embassy in Riga.
In the evening, the Estonian Presidential Couple will attend the ESTO Gala Concert at the Latvian National Opera.
The President of the Republic is going to take part in ESTO events in Riga also tomorrow morning, and is scheduled to return to Estonia tomorrow afternoon.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 27, 2004
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