eesti keeles

Speeches
Open in print mode

The President of the Republic at the Reception for the Ambassadors Accredited to Estonia on October 8, 2001
08.10.2001


Excellencies!

First, let me turn to you, and thus also to your countries, with words of gratitude. Ten years ago, Estonia fought her way back to the family of sovereign states. The dream and the will of the people of Estonia came true. We could only follow our goals with the knowledge that the world would recognise the continuity of our independent statehood. When the moment of restoring our independence came on August 20, 1991, it was followed immediately by unanimous recognition.

September 17, 1991, was indeed one of the highlights of my life - as the Head of State of Estonia at the time, I witnessed the hoisting of the Estonian flag in front of the United Nations headquarters. Addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations in the name of Estonia, I expressed my conviction that Estonia would become a trustworthy partner in international dialogue, and a state doing everything in her power to preserve world peace and balance.

Excellencies!

Ten years later, I have the opportunity to reiterate these words. Estonia's active foreign policy that has brought us to the threshold of membership in the European Union and NATO, will continue in the same direction. It is especially important to stress this today, because the attacks of international terrorism have put to test not only the capability of co-operation of democratic countries, but also the fate of democracy in the world.

I would certainly be glad to hope, and also glad to contribute myself to making good-neighbourly attitudes and trust a norm in relations between the states, within which solutions could be sought together for the most different interests and security problems.

Excellencies!

Democratic system and respect for human rights are basic values that Estonia shall never relinquish, because they are also the basis for our national self-esteem. I welcome you on the day of my assuming office, and express my personal gratitude for the numerous congratulations that have arrived from your Heads of State. Through you, I wish prosperity and peace to peoples and nations.


© 2006 Office of the President l tel: + 372 631 6202 l fax: + 372 631 6250 l sekretarvpk.ee