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The President of the Republic at the State Banquet Hosted by H.E. President of the Republic of Iceland Mr. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Mrs. Dorrit Moussaieff in Honour of the President of the Republic and Mrs. Ingrid Rüütel in Reykjavik on 4 May 2004
04.05.2004


Mr. President,
Mrs. Moussaieff,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

First, I would like to thank you, Mr President, for the invitation to the Republic of Iceland. Your energetic and careful people and unique nature with glaciers, volcanoes and windy lava fields make an unforgettable impression on all visitors of your island state.

Mr. President,

In 1991, Iceland was the first country to recognise the regained independence of the Republic of Estonia. Your courage, foresight and trust were priceless at the moment so crucial for our state. Not all European countries did dare to support our steps toward independence then. Yet small countries and peoples proved that they are capable of bearing international responsibility and making great history! The then decision of Iceland was of immeasurable value to us.

I would like to once more extend my sincere thanks to Iceland and Icelanders for their decision. I am confident that Estonia's present standing among the European nations justifies your trust and hopes of those days. Estonia will never forget it. And it is no coincidence that one of the central squares in Tallinn, at which also our Foreign Ministry is standing has been named after Iceland. This name story of one square is like a symbol of the historical fate of Estonia that has made it from the Soviet occupation through independent statehood to the transatlantic network, just like Iceland.

Our bedrock goals since the restoration of independence have been full NATO membership and safeguarding European security. From this year's March 29, Estonia is a member of the North-Atlantic Alliance. It is not just a complimentary ticket to a sunny future for it also carries an increasing range of duties. Now, our foreign policy has more weight and possibilities to have a say in world affairs. We can defend our positions more effectively than before.
Only while worrying and taking steps together, we can withstand the ever-increasing threat of terrorism.

NATO membership does not carry changes, which could be easily noticed in Estonia's daily life, but it creates a real sense of security. Indeed, there is no other way for a small nation to protect its interests than to be resourceful and adamant in defending its convictions, to be superior to its fate.

Mr. President,

I am glad that the Estonian-Icelandic cooperation is firmly founded in history and ideas. We have abundant opportunities for bilateral cooperation and for supporting each other in vital matters. The spirit of good cooperation prevalent in Northern Europe provides us ample room for developing regional cooperation. I deem this cooperation extremely important.

Both the big and small peoples cherish sovereignty. The United Nations is one of the organisations, where joining forces of small countries definitely provides us several opportunities. At this point, I would like to stress the need to work hand in hand for the sake of strengthening the influence of decisions by international organisations, including the UN. I believe that Estonia and Iceland have a special role in encouraging cooperation among small countries both in Europe and on the global stage, and our real opportunities are still ahead of us.

Honourable Mr. President,

An Icelandic proverb says that a man without a book is blind.
Let's reflect on how much wisdom is contained in this saying. The Icelanders from time immemorial have believed the power of words. The Icelanders are a people fond of literature and your cultural heritage has been preserved on parchment manuscripts up to this day. There are few peoples who would know their history and literature so thoroughly as the Icelanders. You are famous in the world! Your meaningful and profound sagas have helped also other peoples to better understand their history.

As to the contents of folklore, in the case of our peoples it's surprisingly similar. Estonian folk songs have saved the wisdom of centuries and they tell us about our history more than we have been able to understand so far. The Estonians have a deep interest in and respect for the culture of your country. It's nice to know that several Estonians have settled down in Iceland. Both the Icelanders and the Estonians have retained from days of yore their distinctive folk music. Cultural exchanges between people are most important and, in this light, the cooperation project of our musicians - Voices of the Nordic Islands - is definitely worth mentioning.

The nature of Iceland is prodigiously refreshing. Here, we can feel even more clearly what nature may give to the man and how dependent we are on it. For more than a millennium, you have been living in one rhythm with nature. Severe conditions teach a sustainable way of life. Estonia is a maritime country like Iceland and we are proud of it. It affects our attitudes toward life and has shaped our singular cultural traditions. Our history is closely linked to our surroundings, from which we have drawn stuff for our legends and traditions that we are obliged to preserve. I do hope Estonia and Iceland in future to find many new ideas for cooperation in conservation and sustainable development.

Mr. President,

Iceland is a mountainous country covered by lava and stones but the Icelanders love their country and wouldn't trade it in for anything. It is as if nature had made the poor soil to contrast your rich cultural heritage.

In Estonia, the land is flat having a limestone subsoil but the Estonians love their country and wouldn't trade it in for anything. We are proud of our country. The fact that we are different peoples, although sharing same basic values, in a way binds us together. That makes us strong and superior to our fate. But differences make the whole world more beautiful and better. Cultural diversity means wealth for the world, and it is our duty to preserve it for the posterity.

Mr. President,
Mrs. Moussaieff, ladies and gentlemen - dear friends,

I raise my glass in honour of the Republic of Iceland and to your happiness!


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