The Estonian Head of State said opening the discussion that the nations joining the European Union should try to stay what they really are. President Rüütel noted that each of them, entering the common security, cultural and economic area, had to preserve its national identity as well as its specific cultural and economic features. During the following exchange of ideas, his position was supported by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, Mary Harney, and the moderator of the discussion, Josef Janning. In the course of the exchange of ideas, also the importance of co-operation between the European peoples and the need to bridge the gap between the European Union's institutions and citizens were underscored.
In the evening, President Rüütel had a meeting with the French Minister of European Affairs, Noelle Lenoir, who expressed her admiration for Estonia's progress. The focus of their meeting was on the cultural contacts between the two countries and on the preparations for the European Union's enlargement. Minister Lenoir agreed with the position of Estonia`s Head of State that, at the enlargement talks, the specific character of countries and regions had to be taken into consideration, thus strengthening the European Union in internal terms. Minister Lenoir voiced her support to Estonia's position in negotiating with the European Union the agricultural payments and production quotas.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 16, 2002
