President Lennart Meri received David Oddson, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland, who is on a visit to Estonia, in Kadriorg today.

On the meeting, mostly relations between the two countries were discussed, and both parties considered them to be excellent. As President Meri said, growing interest towards Iceland among Estonians, considerable number of students of the Icelandic language, and the fact that Estonian music teachers are working on Iceland, prove that there is vivid co-operation in spiritual sphere.

As the President said, Estonia would be interested in co-operation for instance in the field of genetics, which has been successful in Iceland and won the recognition of the world. Estonia also plans to establish gene reserves, and as the President said, Estonia is interested in Iceland's experience in compiling the respective legal acts, as people must be convinced that the creation of gene reserves does not threaten their privacy. Prime Minister Oddson said that Iceland would be glad to share their legal experience, as Iceland, striving for the best results, made several mistakes that Estonia could avoid.

Speaking of NATO enlargement, the Prime Minister of Iceland emphasised that NATO should use the historic chance to make the enlargement decision.

Also the situation in Russia and elsewhere in the world was discussed on the meeting.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, August 29, 2000

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