The Presidents took a mutual interest in experiences of the neighbouring country in the field of integrating the national minorities and developing good-neighbourly relations with the Russian Federation. "We can resolve those problems only while standing up for our national interests and not retreating from our principles," President Rüütel noted.
Among other topics, the Presidents discussed possibilities to publish a Latvian-Estonian Dictionary.
The President of the Republic of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga hosted a lunch in honour of the President of the Republic of Estonia, Arnold Rüütel.
In the afternoon, President Rüütel met the Prime Minister of Latvia, Andris Bērzinš. During the meeting many practical matters of the co-operation between the two countries were discussed. Besides, the Prime Minister of Latvia was interested in the subjects of energetics, budget and funding the local governments in Estonia and also in the state of forming a new government.
In the morning, President Rüütel had meetings with the Foreign Minister of Latvia, Indulis Bērzinš and the Chairman of the Saeima, Jānis Straume. President Rüütel also visited the Estonian School of Riga where he was impressed by the good Estonian of the pupils in which language, for instance, Gustav Suits' "Oma saar" was recited. The President acknowledged the strong support rendered to the Estonian school by the Republic of Latvia and the City of Riga.
In the afternoon, President Rüütel will meet the Minister of Transport of Latvia, Anatolijs Gorbunovs.
Thereafter the Head of State will leave Riga for Vilnius to continue his working visit tomorrow in Lithuania.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 16, 2002
