Tuesday, 18 November. - President Meri presented a 1st class Cross of Terra Mariana to Count Otto Lambsdorff, a politician of the Federal Republic of Germany, a former Chairman (1988-1993) of the Free Democratic Party, Chairman of the Board of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, in recognition of his services rendered to the Estonian state. The decision to bestow the high state award on Count Lambsdorff was made by the President of the Republic last February on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

Count Lambsdorff had a significant influence on the government coalition of the Federal Republic of Germany as it was shaping its policy towards the Baltic states at the time they were restoring their independence. The concerns of Estonia were brought into the consciousness of politicians by Otto Lambsdorff even beyond the boundaries of Germany: 1991-1994 he was President of the Liberal International. His activity in the Friedrich Naumann Foundation is also important for Estonia: for years already the Foundation’s activities have embraced Estonia, supporting a liberal trend in our politics.

Following the ceremony of presenting the Cross of Terra Mariana President Meri gave the distinguished guest a luncheon at Kadriorg.


Office of the President Republic of Estonia
Kadriorg, November 18, 1997

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