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President of the Republic Address at the Festive Dinner in honour of H.E. Robert Kocharian, President of the Republic of Armenia, 27 June 200227.06.2002
Honorable President Kocharian!
Excellencies!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
The first busy day of your official visit is coming to the end. I am sure that conducting efficient political discussions you have felt as an expected, welcome guest. Dear friends, you are our welcome guests.
Estonian-Armenian relations are good. Both of us want to co-operate efficiently, we understand each other.
Legendary Armenian Hatschatur Abovjan, walking along dusty roads of Tartu County a hundred and fifty years ago, could not really foresee our meeting today. Abovjan, a student at the University of Tartu, was simply interested in the life and people of Estonia. Getting a lift in the horse-drawn wagon he attempted to talk to the master, a peasant from Virdiku. He could not find a common language with the Estonian farmer but they somehow still managed. It was easier with linguist Wiedemann in Tartu. With him Abovjan could communicate in his mother tongue. He himself had taught the Armenian language to Wiedemann. The friendship of two talented people was fruitful.
The Armenians are one of the oldest nations in the world. Estonia is pleased that the academic atmosphere of our university town and closeness to our linguist were the soil to deliver the modern Armenian literary language. The language Hatschatur Abovjan used to write his Verk Hajastani and you, Your Excellency, use. We are glad that many young Armenians have studied at our university town. An Armenian student society has existed in Tartu. Armenian literary scholars even talk about a school of Tartu in Armenian poetry. A century ago books in Armenian were published at the university printing office.
We have supported each other through history. Both of us know the meaning of endangered sovereignty, culture, language and independent statehood. We understand each other.
This has definitely enhanced confidence between our states today. Estonia is pleased to witness Armenia's prosperous development. Your country is interested in co-operation with European structures. Estonia sees here an opportunity to share its experience with you. We have undergone a sophisticated reform process. The conclusions generalised are also at the disposal of our friends. The co-operation between our countries is multi- dimensional. We share mutually know-how to strengthen our statehood and upgrade mechanisms to keep the society functioning. Our co-operation projects in health organisation, justice and information technology have provided valueless information to both parties. This has set a foundation for further co-operation. I value highly co-operation outlooks in information technology. Estonia is quite advanced in information technology. Armenia has numerous skilled specialists. Our co-operation in economy and financial sector is also smooth. Estonia is a country with active trade relations. We are pleased to see Armenia to become a member of the World Trade Organisation soon. The membership will open up new opportunities in our relations.
Dear friends,
We are aware of the difficult fate of Armenia. We also know that Armenia has never attacked any country during its long history. And we know that Armenia is one of the very few countries in the world, which has never had neither serfs nor bondsmen. Nevertheless a foreign force has forced your proud nation to leave homeland. Providence has scattered you around the world. 2000 of your fellow countrymen have settled in Estonia. They have accommodated themselves in our society but have attempted to maintain their culture, traditions and identity. We have an Armenian association in Estonia, which we try to support. Your children attend Armenian Sunday school. On 28 May 1992 the first Armenian radio broadcast was on the air in Estonia. Its signature tune is Tsitsernat - a song loved in Estonia as well. My children's generation remembers it from school songbooks. The song has been written in Tartu.
Mr President,
I know you have visited today also Armenian Church on Tartu Road. There is a monument of red tuff in the tiny church courtyard. Such pieces of art are known only in Armenia. Our Jaani Church (14th century) next to it has risen like a phoenix from ashes. Destined to perish, the church has got a new chance and now you have a spiritual home in Estonia. This is another significant impetus for friendly relations between our countries.
Dear guests,
On behalf of the people of Estonia I would like to raise a toast to you, to the prosperity and success of the Armenian people.
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