In her address, President Kaljulaid spoke about the experiences of Estonia and explained that some difficult decisions needed to be made in order to accede to the European Union and NATO. "It was first and foremost about putting our own house in order. In doing so, we used the best know-how available. We perceived our integration process as an opportunity and a blueprint for reform that should be used as vehicle of mobilisation, not as an impediment or burden."
In her speech, the Head of State emphasised that the protection of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law is most important: "You may dream up brilliant economic model upgrades, appetising investment support for foreign capital and no-strings-attached privatisation process, but it will all lead to nothing unless you guarantee the rule of law and fundamental rights. All else fails unless people and businesses, your own and foreigners alike, are convinced of the fairness of the state. Of the fair treatment of capital, of respect for human rights and freedom of speech."
The full text of the address given by the Head of State in Kutaisi, in English, is available HERE.
The President of the Republic, together with Mr Georgi-Rene Maksimovski, has reached the final day of the state visit to Georgia. The delegation also includes the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Kadri Simson, Minister of Culture, Indrek Saar, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Riigikogu, Marko Mihkelson, and a member of the Committee of European Affairs, Kalle Palling, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Riho Terras. The Head of State is also accompanied by a business delegation of 33 members. The President will arrive back in Estonia tonight.
Office of the President
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