Today at noon, President Lennart Meri received in Kadriorg the plenipotentiary ambassador extraordinary of the Swiss Confederation to Estonia Hansrudolf Hoffmann, who came to present his credentials.

Ambassador Hoffmann said that a small state like Switzerland feels affinity for another small state. Both states are proud of their independence and freedom. The Ambassador believes that most people of Switzerland wish Estonia success in becoming a member of NATO and the European Union even though they do not belong in these organisations themselves.

Switzerland wishes to assist Estonia in all manners possible, and especially to continue supporting the participation of the army of Estonia and Estonia herself in the international peace forces, said the Ambassador of Estonia.

During the meeting the Ambassador of Switzerland and the head of state of Estonia also discussed the situation in Russia.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 13, 1999

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