Dear Ambassador,

Normally we give ambassadors decorations when they leave us. Yet you are not leaving – and I am grateful for this.

You have done much to foster Estonian-Polish ties. One example is here in our hands: the new Estonian-Polish dictionary. Yet this is only the tip of the iceberg, only one of the many things which you have done and which have contributed to our two countries growing ever-closer.

Traditionally we are of course close anyway; during the inter-war period Poland and Estonia enjoyed excellent relations. And yet fifty years of Soviet occupation weakened many of those links. You have contributed greatly to their restoration.

Today we can speak of Poland and Estonia as partners. Our trade is constantly increasing, our officials, our officers meet so frequently that it is almost impossible to follow all of these developments. I am certain that with a lesser ambassador here in Tallinn we could not have reached this level today.

Mr. Ambassador,

You have deserved the gratitude of Estonia. And it is indeed fitting that I can today give you the Cross of Terra Mariana without having to say goodbye. Because this also shows that this is not simply a protocolar function, but a genuine gesture of thanks for a past job well done and I hope a spur for a continuation of your splendid effort.

Thank you.

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