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The President of the Republic At the Grand Dinner Given in Honour of the President of the Slovak Republic H.E. Mr. Ivan Gašparovič and Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičova on 12 October 2005, Tallinn12.10.2005
Honourable Mr. President,
Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičova,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mr. President and Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičova, I am extremely pleased to welcome you in Estonia!
A dozen years have passed since our states initiated diplomatic relations. Your present visit is the first state visit of the President of the Slovak Republic to Estonia. This is a proof of our good relations and an important milestone towards further cooperation.
Our today's meeting confirmed the fact that Estonia and Slovakia have a wide range of common interests in various spheres of life. Nowadays there should not be any room for doubt about the progressive globalization on our continent being the primary common interest in Europe as a whole. In the foreseeable future it is clear that also the integrating Europe can be a community of partners with a variety of significance, a Europe of equal states. These are the ideas we share.
While thinking about the past fate of our peoples, we can find a number of common features. The first key words recalled are the frequent fight against alien powers and the co-existence of several different nationalities. We have experienced the tough hand of history. By now both Slovakia and Estonia have implemented extensive reforms and it is our pleasure to state that in a number of spheres, for example, the taxation systems and pension reform issues, we have shared views.
Naturally, the reason for restructuring did not lie in the EU and NATO accession alone. Extensive reforms in the society and economy have been, first of all, beneficial to us. Nevertheless, we both know that the reform path Slovakia and Estonia have taken, has been difficult and it is not possible to reach a pleasing result right away.
At present Estonia and Slovakia, two small states, are partners in the European Union and NATO. This has given also a new dimension to our cooperation. It is my firm conviction that the European Union has to be able to strengthen its position and use more of its unanimous voice on the international arena. It is only this way that we can secure a full correspondence between the European political importance and its economic impact. A strong and united Europe is certainly a balancing power in the world split by numerous trouble spots.
Honourable Mr. President,
A great number of Estonians have visited Slovakian ski resorts during the recent years and I am sure that this is a valuable key for exploring the charming beauty of your country. It is true that the number of Slovaks visiting our country is also growing; nevertheless, I am afraid that the potential for cooperation in the field of tourism has not yet been implemented to its full extent. I hope that you will take along impressions from Estonia, which encourage the development of also this cooperation area.
A more active cultural exchange would also intensify our contacts. It is a fact that both Estonians and Slovaks are famous for their folk art and folklore festivals. I believe that the existing wish and readiness to study and teach the Slovak language, for example, at Tartu University and the Estonian language at one of the Slovak universities will be materialized in the nearest future already.
Honourable Mr. President,
The ever globalising world is offering us a growing number of challenges. Unfortunately, the positive development is shadowed by a darker facet of life. We are facing the problems of the increasing threat of terrorism, poverty and violence. We have to work together for the sake of a more secure world, where terror and violence would have no space. Germs of terrorism should not find any support at our common home.
All the states and nations, especially the UN, have a significant role in solving these problems. Hereby, allow me to congratulate the Slovak Republic on the occasion she has become an elected member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2006-2007. I believe that in the future we can find a number of issues of common interest on the basis of which we can think and act together for the benefit of peace, human rights and sustainable development.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of myself and my wife, allow me to wish you, Mr. President and Mrs. Silvia Gašparovičova, success and happiness!
I raise this glass to the Slovak Republic and her people! To the cooperation between Estonia and Slovakia!
Na vaše zdravie!
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