The message of condolences says: ''It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the death of the former Federal President of Germany Mr. Johannes Rau. Estonia has lost a good friend who has made a considerable personal contribution to the promotion of relations between Estonia and Germany. This is a great loss also for us.
On behalf of myself and the people of Estonia please accept my condolences to you and to the people of Germany. Please extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Rau. We are with you in your mourning.
I will treasure in my memory a friendly meeting with Federal President Rau in Berlin 2003. As Federal President he emphasised that he was the President of all German citizens, thus uniting all different nationalities living in Germany. We will always remember the former Federal President Johannes Rau as a highly recognised statesman, an active and brilliant politician, and an interesting person.''
Public Relations Department of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 27, 2006
