President Lennart Meri today received Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Estonia from 22 countries on all continents; they are in Estonia to attend a conference for Honorary Consuls.

The President welcomed the Honorary Consuls of Estonia, who are citizens of other countries; at the same time, Tallinn is their capital and thus also the presidential palace of Kadriorg is their presidential palace. The President's speech is available on the Internet address www.president.ee.

President of the Republic bestowed the Cross of St Mary's Land on Kasturi Lal Vig, the Estonian Honorary Consul General in India. The Cross of St Mary's Land had been conferred on Kasturi Lal Vig on the occasion of this year's Independence Day of Estonia. The President thanked Honorary Consul General Kasturi Lal Vig for the good work done for introducing Estonia; and especially for his efficient support to the preparations of the state visit to India in 1999.

Wibo Aris, the Honorary Consul of Estonia in the Netherlands, spoke in the name of all Honorary Consuls; he congratulated colleague Kasturi Lal Vig on the honour bestowed upon him and said that this would inspire all the Honorary Consuls in their future work. He also thanked President Lennart Meri and delivered the present from Honorary Consuls – the painting ''Iirised'' (Irises) by Rein Tammik.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 14, 2000

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