Dear friends,

Allow me to extend to you the cordial congratulations of the Estonian people on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Poland.

In today's Europe, we belong to the same generation - the Republic of Estonia celebrated her 80th anniversary on February 24 this year. Furthermore, we are like members of the same family who - even having been separated and alienated for a long time - need no words to understand each other's pain and sufferings, and feel the other's happiness as their own. The ''Solidarity'' movement meant the beginning of liberation also to Estonia, and Estonia's restored independence adds to the confidence of Poland.

This is how Estonia and Poland come together in actual historical experience and in their sense of responsibility for democracy emerging from this experience. The Baltic Sea that connects us may become an axis that shapes the face of uniting Europe.

From this day, Poland and Estonia will sit together at the negotiations table for accession to the European Union. As colleagues, not competitors. It is obvious that, after the accession, Poland will be one of the major powers of the European Union, one whose word will not go unheard. It is just as obvious that Estonia will always be one of the smallest. And yet, the rapidly developing and dynamic societies of Poland and Estonia will both make their contribution to Europe. Our relations will have to become closer than ever before, for a very simple reason - during the period of negotiations, there must be confidence between the EU candidate countries. And there is no confidence without sound knowledge of each other.

I am glad to observe that the bilateral diplomatic relations between us are reaching the level correspondent with this understanding - we have a solid basis of agreements, our high-level officials often make visits and counter-visits. The geographical truth that Poland is the closest benevolent great power to Estonia has become an axiom of everyday diplomacy. International observers will have no doubt that Estonia and Poland have common interests augmented by co-operation.

It is due to Poland's responsible attitude that, hopefully, the day when the Baltic States will benefit from Poland's experience in accession to NATO is not far. Besides political statements, Poland has also shown by action that the heart of the Pole will not be at peace until Estonians, too, will have a feeling of security - this is confirmed both by Poland's active attitude towards regional defence co-operation and the training opportunities for Estonian officers in Poland.

I thank our Polish friends and wish to the people of Poland happiness on this festive day - and wisdom and diligence every day!

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