Monday, 12 February 2007 13:48
At a meeting between President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Federal President Horst Köhler in Berlin today, the discussion focused on the future of Europe.
“Estonia is ready to support the endeavors of Germany during its EU Presidency for the furtherance of the treaty establishing the European Constitution,” said President Ilves. “The adoption of the constitutional treaty is a priority for both Estonia and Germany.”
According to the German President, one of the strengths of the European Union is that every member state has one vote, and therefore, Estonia has the opportunity to influence European matters. “Estonia’s word counts,” said Federal President Köhler.
The enlargement of the European Union, the Neighborhood Policy and Russia were also discussed. Ilves expressed concern that Russia considers democracies on its borders to be a security risk and sees autocracy as a source of stability.
Presidents Ilves and Köhler also talked about issues related to energy security, developmental cooperation, global environmental policies, and trans-Atlantic relations.
In Berlin, President Ilves give interviews to the Deutsche Welle radio station and Der Spiegel magazine, participated in a journalists’ roundtable, and lunched with German parliament members, state officials and think tank representatives.
Public Relations Department of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, 12 February 2007
