On President Lennart Meri's invitation, the President of the Republic of Finland Martti Ahtisaari and Mrs. Eva Ahtisaari were on a visit in Tallinn on February 18. The Finnish presidential couple arrived in Tallinn on board a plane of the Finnish Defence Forces. On the welcoming ceremony in the Tallinn Airport, the national anthems of Finland and Estonia were played. From the airport, the guests were taken to President Meri's Viimsi home.

President Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri hosted a lunch at their home in honour of the Finnish Head of State and his spouse. Also Jaakko Kalela, Director of the Office of the President of Finland, and Toivo Klaar, the Diplomatic Counsellor to the Estonian President, took part of the lunch.

The Finnish and Estonian President and their spouses took a walk in the Old Town of Tallinn and had afternoon coffee at the Finnish Embassy on Toompea.

The Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, whose term of office will soon be over, said on the press conference that his visit to Estonia one and a half weeks before his leaving office is his only farewell visit, and proves how close and important he considers the relations between the two countries. During the six years of Martti Ahtisaari's presidency, the Finnish and Estonian Presidents have had 7-8 bilateral meetings, and there have also been meetings on several international forums and popular events.

For President Meri, Estonia's close co-operation with Finland has been very important, and Estonia has also received considerable support from Finland and the Finnish President in her international affairs. As President Meri said, Martti Ahtisaari is always welcome in Estonia.

The President of the Republic of Finland and his spouse left Tallinn yesterday evening.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 19, 2000

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