President of the Republic conferred the I Class Order of the Cross of St Mary's Land to Strobe Talbott, the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, in Kadriorg today.

President of the Republic recognised the Deputy State Secretary's successful work in promoting the relations between Estonia and the US, which according to President Meri could be called a close, strategic partnership. The President described Strobe Talbott as the personification of this partnership.

In his statement, President Meri reiterated that Estonia is a friend that the United States can rely on.

The Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America recalled his first meeting with President Lennart Meri, at the time when Estonia had not yet restored her independence, and emphasised that since the restoration of independence, Estonia has developed far more rapidly than anyone could have expected.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 24, 2000

back | archive of press releases | main page