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The President of the Republic At the Forum of Presidents dedicated to the 2nd Anniversary of the Revolution of Roses in Georgia Tbilisi, November 23, 200523.11.2005
The 21st century challenges of European development and democracy
Dear Colleagues,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in today's exchange of views between the heads of states. Please allow me, on behalf of the people of Estonia and myself, to congratulate you, President Saakashvili, and the people of Georgia on the 2nd anniversary of the Revolution of Roses.
In Estonia, we have closely observed the events in Georgia and we are happy to see that the developments following the Revolution of Roses have taken Georgia forward on the road of democracy. During those two years you have demonstrated your determination to go on with the transformation necessary for the development of your society, and your good will to adhere more and more to western political and cultural values.
Following the restoration of independence in Estonia, we were in a situation similar to that in Georgia and therefore we understand what are the challenges your state has to face. In Estonia, we have for the last fifteen years been engaged in liquidation of consequences of the occupation, reforming and modernising of our society. Estonia's membership in the European Union and NATO happens to be one of the concrete results of our efforts.
It is needless to say that our wish to accede to those blocks was not the main reason for transformation. Through reforming our society and economy we have first of all helped ourselves. We were well aware that any transformation has its cost and we have to be ready to accept that desired results cannot be achieved overnight.
We welcome the reforms undertaken in Georgia, and we are ready to contribute to those areas where Estonia has useful experience to offer. Today our reform experience is still fresh and the people who were leading the reform process are still active in those areas and can share their experience. I believe that our development model could serve as a useful example also for continuing reforms in Georgia.
Dear listeners!
In a certain sense, the present time for the whole Europe is a revolutionary time offering good opportunities for development. This is an opportunity that we must not leave unused. The triumphal progress of democracy should not get in jam just over budgetary dispute and short-term economic considerations. Shared values and challenges is the driving force behind our joint activities in the name of secure and stable future of the whole Europe.
I believe that we will after all succeed in building up Europe where the destiny of whole regions could not be determined by disputable bilateral deals concluded over one's closest neighbour's heads. The last century has already given sufficient experience to understand that the well-being of Europe is an indivisible whole. Or in other words - the strength of Europe depends on the health of every single unit it consists of.
Already in my previous speeches I have expressed my conviction that the 21st century demands from all of us mental renewal. Progress achieved in Europe over the last ten years is noticeable and it has received broad positive response.
The walls set up in the last days of World War II have fallen apart and today we stand on the threshold of a new era. Changes have inevitably touched both so-called old members of the European Union as well as the countries that have recently acceded and those with a perspective to accede in the future.
My opinion is that Europe must not become weary of reforms and temporary setbacks. The states have confirmed their common will to move forward in order to achieve the main goals of the European Union and to maintain its core values. The key to this is sieving out such common interests that enable Europe as a whole to move forward.
Today there should be no doubt that the most important common interest of Europe as a whole is the continuation of integration process; no matter how many special interests there are. Only through alignment of our interests we can have economy that is capable of development, guarantee social wellbeing of people, and secure safe and sustainable development in general.
It is clear that in foreseeable future Europe will be a community where the partners can be different in size, but it will be a community of equal states. Expanding the zone of democracy to the area adjacent to the EU external borders will be an important task also in the years to come and Estonia has committed itself to continue this work together with its partners.
Mr. President Saakashvili!
I wish you and the people of Georgia every success, happiness and joy!
Thank you for your attention.
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