President Rüütel concluded that the contacts between the Republic of Estonia and the People's Republic of China, and between the people of the two countries were livelier than ever before. ''Thanks to your energetic activities, there have been numerous presentations of Chinese culture in Estonia, which have always been very popular and have earned warm and positive response among the people of Estonia. You have also made a considerable contribution to enlivening the economic cooperation between Estonia and the People's Republic of China. Our economic cooperation has been developing progressively, we have close contacts both between institutions and individuals, mutual visits of business delegations have become regular,'' the President of the Republic said.
The Head of Estonian State asked to convey his greetings to the President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Hu Jintao, who had warmly welcomed the Estonian delegation during the state visit in August 2005, and the meetings with whom had left very pleasant memories.
Ambassador of China thanked President Rüütel for the honour bestowed on him, and also for the personal contribution of the Head of Estonian State to the promotion of relations between the two countries. In the words of Ambassador Hong, following the state visit of President Rüütel to the People's Republic of China, there has been a noticeable enlivening in Estonian-Sino economic relations, an indication of which is the ever increasing number of Chinese businessmen visiting Estonia.
In recognition of the Ambassador's services, President Rüütel conferred on him the 1st class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 2, 2006
