Dear Ambassador,

Today is a sad and at the same time a happy occasion. It is sad, because you are leaving us. But it is a happy one because I can thank you on behalf of all Estonians for the work you have done here.

Estonia and Norway are traditionally close; we have been close neighbours and partners for over 1000 years. But especially during the last years has our relationship started to blossom and you have played a major part in this.

As the Nordic and Baltic countries move closer to each other the barriers created during the fifty years of Soviet occupation are fading away. This is well illustrated by the fact that no longer are the meetings of Baltic and Nordic ministers called ''five plus three'', but that they are now known as ''the eight''. I would like to thank you personally for this development.

Now as you are starting a well-deserved retirement I wish you and your wife, who has done a wonderful job for the Estonian Women's Rights Studies, all the best. You know that you are always welcome in Estonia.

But now, on behalf of Estonia it gives me great pleasure to bestow on you the Cross of Terra Mariana for the services you have rendered this country.

Thank you.

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