President Rüütel acknowledged in his speech that there are favourable preconditions for close economic and trade co-operation between the two countries. The President hopes for an increase in the imports and investments from Switzerland and thanked Switzerland for its support to the Estonian Defence Forces both in the form of supplies and training. Good attitude of Switzerland towards Estonia is also evidenced by the opening of the honorary consulate in Neuenburg and the hope to sign the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation soon.
At the end of the ceremony of presentation of credentials a joint photo was taken. During the conversation at the coffee table, Ambassador Chrzanovski said that he had read the recent speeches of the head of state of Estonia and was aware of the issues to which President Rüütel is paying attention most and that these include also agriculture and regional development. The Ambassador assured that Switzerland will try to support Estonia in every way and that good relations have been established also with the Ministry of Agriculture by now. President Arnold Rüütel noted that the role of small businesses has become stronger lately in the Estonian manufacturing industry, they have their own definite role in the manufacturing of particularly high-quality products and that Estonia is holding Switzerland up as a great example in that respect.
The Ambassador added that when Estonia becomes a EU Member State soon, Switzerland hopes to receive advice from Estonia as a reliable friend regarding the development of co-operation with EU Member States.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 25, 2001
