According to the President of the Republic, the relationship between Estonia and Mali was only beginning to burgeon but the growth in mutual interest and support paralleled increasing knowledge of and deepening contacts with each other. He added that Estonia's imminent accession to the European Union and NATO would bring about new possibilities and challenges. President Rüütel contended that Estonia had prepared itself for it and expressed hope that the accession would give a new dimension also to the relationship between Estonia and Mali.
Ambassador Traoré wished the President and the Government of Estonia success and prosperity in the European Union, and, in addition, strength and success in developing cooperation with Africa in general and Mali in particular.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 18, 2004
