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The President of the Republic met with the Defence Committee of the Finnish Eduskunta14.10.2005
President Arnold Rüütel today at Kadriorg met with the Defence Committee of the Finnish Eduskunta. The meeting focused on the Estonian-Finnish defence related cooperation.
The President of the Republic thanked Finland for consultations and practical help that Finland has given to Estonia in the field of defence, especially at the beginning of 1990-ies when Finland assisted Estonia in building up its national defence structure.
According to the Eduskunta Defence Committee, 81 percent of young men in Finland join compulsory military service, and an opinion poll carried out among students indicates that 75 percent of all students would want to join military service even if it were not compulsory. President Rüütel said that such high readiness of people to defend their country is very important and is a good foundation for building up national defence. Estonia also needs to continue fostering defence willingness of the population, the Estonian Head of State added.
President Rüütel found that the Estonian-Finnish cooperation is functioning very well. The President of the Republic expressed his satisfaction over the fact that the defence related cooperation will continue through the Nordic Battle Group of the EU's rapid reaction forces where also Sweden and Norway participate.
The Defence Committee of the Finnish Eduskunta explained to the Head of State their vision of the Finnish national defence principles and goals, and of the Estonian-Finnish defence related cooperation. It was noted that defence related cooperation, but also cooperation in other fields between Estonia and Finland is very satisfying and active.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 14, 2005
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