"The choice to move towards the European Union means commitment to specific values; this is not an issue of economic benefits," emphasised the Estonian Head of State.
"We can also discuss economic relations between the European Union member states and Ukraine, but the main focus of the debate cannot be on determing whether Ukraine will gain more economic benefits from the Eurasian Customs Union or the European Union. Money and investments only represent one of the aspects," President Ilves added.
When commenting on the current situation in Ukraine, President Ilves said that bringing an end to the violence that has taken over the country is most important. "Violence must not be the response to peaceful demonstrations," stated the President. He added that long-term friends of Ukraine feel that they have been cheated.
In Davos, President Ilves will take part in high-level panel discussions that focus on economy, e-health, the development of information technology and geopolitics. The Estonian Head of State will also have a number of bilateral meetings within the framework of the World Economic Forum, including a meeting with Angel Gurría, Secretary General of the OECD.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss non-profit foundation that organises a summit every year in January, in the mountain resort of Davos in eastern Switzerland. International business leaders, top world politicians, intellectuals and journalists will meet at various events that are taking place during the forum to discuss the economic issues facing the world.
Office of the President
Public Relations Department
Phone +372 631 6229
