Ambassadors, Generals, Admirals, Honourable guests,
It is my great honour to host Your Majesty at the Kadriorg’s rose garden in this historically significant day for Estonians - our Victory Day! It commemorates the decisive Battle of Võnnu 105 years ago, during the Estonian War of Independence, where Estonian forces, defeated the German Landeswehr.
This victory was crucial for Estonia’s fight for independence. The day fosters national pride and remembrance of the sacrifices made for Estonia’s freedom and sovereignty.
It also highlights the importance of our Defence Forces and our allies in ensuring the nation’s security and independence. Most importantly, this day is a reminder that nothing is impossible. This knowledge is especially crucial today, when Ukraine is fighting for its freedom and territorial integrity.
Today we also celebrate our longest-standing barbaric, excuse me, primeval traditions. What is the favourite part of beautiful bright Midsummer night? Eating and drinking with closest friends and family.
Why drinking? Because only after sufficient amount of drinks, we are able to convince ourselves, that jumping over the bonfire is totally safe. I guess, for those to whom the favourite sport is the bull-fight, over-the-bonfire-jumps must be just another picnic.
Although Estonia and Spain are located on different edges of Europe and seem quite different at first glance, we have important similar features. The fact that we are both located on the outer border of Europe, in the east and south, connected by the sea, certainly helps us better understand each other. We are maritime countries, it has defined us.
Sailing is very popular in Estonia, we love sailors here. For us, the Olympic games in Barcelona, in 1992 were undoubtedly a historic event. It was the first time we took part in the Olympics under our flag after regaining independence. It was a success for us, as we took two medals, a gold in cycling and a bronze in sailing.
After the Barcelona Olympics, interest in the Spanish language and culture has been steadily increasing. Since 1992, we have Spanish as a full-time course at the University of Tartu and now also at Tallinn University. We are grateful to the Cervantes Institute, which supports the activities of one lecturer from Spain at both universities.
Most importantly, I would like to thank you for your long-term contribution to the security of our region and for being an important partner for us in the EU and NATO. We are grateful for your participation at the Baltic air security and eFP missions. We highly appreciate the fact that Spain was the first ally to contribute to Estonia the air defense system ”Nasams”.
Both Estonia and Spain were among the first NATO allies to raise the need for deeper cyberspace security cooperation. Spain is a founding member of the Tallinn-based NATO Cyber Defense Cooperation Center. We both have experienced the cyber-attacks originating from Russia but also other hybrid and sabotage attacks, which is a good starting point for cooperation.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine has shown that we need NATO as a collective defense organization stronger than ever. We must bring peace back to Europe and help Ukraine to defeat Russia’s aggression. Our views regarding what is happening in Ukraine completely coincide.
I fully agree with His Majesty’s recent comments, I quote: “The complete, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces from the territory of Ukraine within its international borders is essential”. We shall work together to help Ukraine until needed and to hold Russia accountable for all crimes committed.
For us security is indivisible, requiring a 360-degree approach. This is why Estonia has the second largest contingent of allied troops in Iraq. We take part in different EU’s peace building, training and cooperation missions in Africa and participate at the EU missions at the Mediterranean and Red Sea. We are also present at the UN missions in Israel and Lebanon.
Your Majesty, allow me to propose a toast, here’s to the happiness and prosperity of the Spanish people, to the fruitful cooperation between our countries and to the hope that our wishes and possibilities always align. Allow me to raise a glass to Your Majesty’s health – cheers/terviseks!
Salud!
