President Lennart Meri received Konstantin Provalov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Estonia, who came to present his credentials, in the presidential palace of Kadriorg today.

In his English-language speech held at the presentation of his credentials, the Russian Ambassador said that he perceives his mission to Estonia with a feeling of considerable responsibility and sees his task to transform the potential of bilateral relations into practical steps directed to develop them in the interests of the two peoples.

''2000 has become a landmark year for our country. The positive processes that have commenced in Russia after the presidential elections exert favorable influence on its international position. One of the main objectives set by our President for the diplomatic service is to expand the circle of friends and partners of Russia. I believe that this circle should be comprised in the first place of our neighbours, including Estonia,'' Provalov said. The Ambassador added that all the necessary preconditions for co-operation between Russia and Estonia are existing – a common border, reciprocal economic interests, mutual interest in strengthening of stability in common for us Baltic region, wide cultural-historic traditions.

''Considering the European integration process as positive and historically grounded, we understand the aspiration of Estonia to integrate into the European economic structures,'' the Ambassador said.

The President of the Republic confirmed that as a future member of the European Union, it is in Estonia's interests to develop strong co-operation between the European Union and Russia, and that Estonia is also interested in good relations with its eastern neighbour.

The conversation following the ceremony of presenting the credentials concerned the history of relations between Estonia and Russia and the possibilities to open Lake Peipsi for tourism, including sailing yachts coming via the Narva River.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 11, 2001

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