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The President of the Republic met with the President of Austria25.04.2002
 President Arnold Rüütel this morning at Kadriorg received the President of the Republic of Austria, Thomas Klestil, being on an official visit to Estonia, and Mrs. Margot Klestil-Löffler.
At the official welcoming ceremony in front of the Presidential Palace the national anthems of Estonia and Austria were played and the Heads of State were saluted by a guard of honour of the defence forces. The guests were greeted by Deputy Chairman of the Riigikogu Tunne Kelam, Estonian Ambassador to Austria Mart Laanemäe and other high-ranking officials.
At the meeting of the Estonian and Austrian Presidents and the delegations of the two countries, the enlargement of the European Union and NATO as well as the common economic and security policies in Europe, and, in this context, also chances of co-operation between small states were dealt with. Speaking about the bilateral relations between Estonia and Austria both Heads of State found that, in the field of economy, there was plenty of scope for development on both sides. First of all, the possibilities to advance tourism, investments and trade were highlighted. With a view to furthering the development of economic contacts, it was deemed necessary to conclude an agreement on avoidance of double-taxation between our countries.
President Klestil acknowledged the progress made by Estonia over the last decade and expressed hope to be able to welcome Estonia as a member state of the European Union soon. He also announced Austria`s willingness to offer Estonian officials opportunities to practice in Austrian authorities, in order to get to know the principles of functioning of the European Union. President Rüütel thanked President Klestil for the offer, the realization of which would enhance Estonia`s administrative capacity.
On his visit, the President of Austria is accompanied by a business delegation participating in an Estonian-Austrian economic forum at the Hotel Radisson SAS. The forum was opened by the Austrian and Estonian Heads of State this forenoon. President Rüütel in his opening words highlighted the need to integrate Estonia through economic contacts to a larger extent into Europe.
Estonia`s foreign trade is primarily linked with countries of the Baltic Sea region: Finland and Sweden, Germany and the other two Baltic States. These are the very countries we are thinking of when speaking about our integration into Europe be it through foreign trade or investments. Yet, being on the threshold to the European Union, both our chances and need to strengthen links also to our more distant neighbours are growing. And one of these more distant countries is Austria, the Estonian Head of State said.
The President of the Republic and Mrs. Ingrid Rüütel will host a festive dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Austria, Thomas Klestil, and Mrs. Margot Klestil-Löffler at the Kadriorg Palace today.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 25, 2002
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