President Rüütel and Speaker von Sydow at dinner table talked about the future of the European Union and the role of small states and their prospects for co-operation in the framework of the Union. Among other things, the importance of promoting contacts between parliaments was underscored. The Estonian Head of State highlighted years of good co-operation between the Nordic Countries and the Baltic States, and thanked Sweden for wide-ranging assistance to Estonia.
In the morning, the President and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel visited the Estonian School of Stockholm and, in the afternoon, the Estonian House, where the President spoke to members of the society "Saarlaste Ühing" about the present and future of the island of Saaremaa.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 30, 2003
