According to the Secretary General, Estonia had played a vital role in the structures of the Council of Europe and performed its duties well, and therefore, Walther Schwimmer thanked Estonian officials for their work done. In addition, he touched upon the relationship between the European Union and the Council of Europe noting that, for the European Union, too, a place had to be found in the Council of Europe, and that there was no need to be afraid of duplication.
Mr Schwimmer took interest in the progress of relations between Estonia and Russia. President Rüütel assured that Estonia was willing to develop good-neighbourly relations and co-operation with all of its neighbours, and that Estonias forthcoming membership in the EU and NATO created good preconditions for intensification of co-operation on a new, multilateral basis.
Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 20, 2003
