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The President of the Republic in Riga took part in the Estonian National Congress28.06.2004
 President Arnold Rüütel and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel in Riga took part in the 9th Estonian National Congress held in conjunction with the Festival ESTO 2004.
The main theme of the National Congress was "Relations of Estonians Living Abroad with the Estonian State". After opening addresses by Peeter Luksep, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the National Congress, and Ylo Anson, Chairman of the Estonian World Council, three longer talks were given.
Minister of Population Affairs Paul-Eerik Rummo, taking into consideration a national programme for compatriots, dealt with the role of Estonian expatriates as both Estonia's vanguard and hinterland. Jüri Valge, Adviser for Language Policy at the Ministry of Education and Research, talked in detail about the cooperation relations between Estonian government agencies and Estonian organisations abroad and diverse activities based on relevant programmes. Mart Laanemäe, Director General of Foreign Minister's Chancellery, spoke about the prospects for the relations between the Estonian state and Estonians expatriates opening in view of Estonia's changed international standing.
Then, according to the agenda of the National Congress, a topical discussion and hearing of reports followed. Also two draft resolutions had been submitted for the discussion: "Cooperation between Estonian Communities Abroad and Estonian Government Agencies" and "Estonians outside Estonia", which addressed the issues of free movement of labour, organisation of Estonian communities, education policy, integration and human rights.
Apart from representatives of Estonian organisations from Estonia, also those representing Estonian organisations from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Czechia, USA and Russia took part in the 9th Estonian National Congress.
The President of the Republic also visited a schoolhouse built 1935 amid beautiful nature on the outskirts of Riga, where the Estonian Upper Secondary School of Riga is going to move in this autumn. There, he discussed with the school's teaching staff and Estonian Ambassador to Latvia Toomas Lukk further development opportunities of the school. In addition, President Rüütel talked with students and wished them successful learning in the new schoolhouse.
With that, the President of the Republic finished his visit to the ESTO Festival in Riga.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 28, 2004
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