By invitation from President Lennart Meri, the President of the Republic of Finland and Mr. Pentti Arajärvi arrived on their two-day state visit to Estonia today. The President of Finland arrived at the port in the centre of Tallinn aboard destroyer ''Pohjanmaa''.

The festive reception ceremony took place in front of the Kadriorg Presidential Palace today at noon. The honorary company from the Single Guard Battalion of the Regular Armed Forces of Estonia, the soldiers who fought for the freedom of Finland, the orchestra of the Regular Armed Forces and the Estonian and Finnish delegations had been lined up in front of the palace.

The chief of the company Lieutenant Rene Brus reported to the President of Finland that the guard of honour had been lined up. The national anthems of Finland and Estonia were played and the Presidents inspected the guard. The members of the Estonian government and the delegations of Estonia and Finland were introduced to the Presidents.

The President of the Republic conferred the Chain of the Cross of Terra Mariana on the President of Finland and the 1st Class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana on Mr. Pentti Arajärvi. The silver service made in the Tallinn Jewellery Factory was presented to the President of Finland.

The main issues discussed at the meetings of the presidents were co-operation between the two states and relationships with Russia. According to President Meri, Estonian foreign politics has two principal goals – becoming a member of the European Union and NATO. He emphasised that the goal to join NATO is not directed against Russia and hoped that Russia would understand that a secure border in the West is also in the interests of Russia. President Meri said that we have always emphasised to Russia our wish to have good-neighbourly relationships with that state.

The President of the Republic thanked Finland for its assistance in Estonia’s movement towards the European Union and admitted that it was not easy for a newborn state to build up the necessary institutions. At the same time the President of the Republic also praised the work done by young Estonian diplomats and politicians as a result of which Estonia has proceeded further than many expected.

The President of Finland said that over 60 years, this is the first visit by sea. This shows that Helsinki and Tallinn are sister cities connected by water. Tarja Halonen praised the co-operation between Estonia and Finland and emphasised that Finland has always considered it important to have good relationships with its neighbours: Sweden, Estonia and Russia.

President Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri offered the President of Finland Tarja Halonen and Mr. Pentti Arajärvi and the ambassadors a dinner in their home in Viimsi.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 16, 2000

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