In the reception ceremony held at 10.00 today in the yard of the Prague Castle, the President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel received the President of the Republic of Estonia Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri who had arrived on their state visit. The honorary company had been lined up in the yard of the castle and the anthems of Estonia and the Czech Republic were played. Presidents Havel and Meri inspected the guard.

The official delegation of Estonia, which among others includes the Minister of Economic Affairs Mihkel Pärnoja, the Head of Chancery Aino Lepik von Wirén, President of the Academy of Sciences Jüri Engelbrecht, Järva County Governor Theo Aasa, Chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Indrek Tarand, translator of Czech literature Leo Metsar, and the delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, headed by the President of the Chamber Toomas Luman, had also gathered in the yard of the Prague Castle.

The main subject discussed in the meeting of President Meri and President Havel were the political and economic relations and the defence co-operation of the two states.

Today, the President will deliver a speech at the Estonian-Czech business seminar, meet with Chairwoman of the Senate Libuše Benešová, Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Václav Klaus and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman. Guide Jonatan Tomeš will take the Estonian guests on a walk in the Old Town of Prague today, and they will also visit the historical Town Hall of Prague where the presidential couple of Estonia will be received by Mayor Jan Kasl, and where Mayor Kasl and President Meri will deliver short greetings.

Tonight, the President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel will offer a dinner in honour of President Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri in the Throne Hall of the Prague Castle, where both presidents will deliver speeches.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 30, 2000

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