President Lennart Meri this evening received the delegation led by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the Vice-Governor of the State of Maryland, and General Major James Fretterd, the Commander of the Maryland National Guard.

On the meeting the relations between Maryland and Estonia, which, as President Meri said, is also St. Mary’s Land, were discussed. Relations are developing well between two Estonian and two American cities – Tallinn and Annapolis, Tartu and Salisbury, and now also other Estonian counties and Maryland cities can communicate through schools, choirs, defence leagues and societies, so that the relations could start functioning efficiently.

According to Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the Vice Governor of Maryland, the delegation spent the most wonderful three days of their life in that extraordinary country called Estonia.

The Maryland National Guard conferred the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross to President Meri.

By coming here, you have already started to shape our common future, President Meri said when thanking the guests.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 21, 1999

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