Tuesday, 06 October 2009 20:03
The state visit of President Toomas Hendrik Ilves continued today with a visit to the Corvinus University of Budapest and a meeting with the Mayor of Veszprém, a twin town of Tartu.
The Corvinus University of Budapest is one the largest in the country; many Hungarian diplomats are alumni of the university. At the meeting with Tamás Mészáros, the Rector of the University, the latest developments in Estonian and Hungarian higher education, the financing of higher education and the effects of the Bologna system were discussed.
President Ilves expressed hope that positive contacts between Estonian and Hungarian universities and the exchange programmes of students and teachers would be even more frequent in future. Presently, two Estonian students are studying at Corvinus University.
The Head of State of Estonia made a present of a collection of poetry books by northern Finno-Ugric people to Corvinus University. The publishing of these books has been arranged by writer Arvo Valton, who is also accompanying the President on the state visit to Hungary.
Veszprém, a town located by Lake Balaton, has been a twin town of Tartu for 39 years. At the meeting with János Debreczeny, the Mayor of Veszprém, President Ilves emphasised that two nations can grow closer primarily through people.
“Tartu, Estonia’s centre of intellect, holds a special place in the hearts of Estonian people. And that is why the friends of Tartu − such as the people of Veszprém − are also friends of us all,” said the Head of State. “Close co-operation, as is the case between Veszprém and Tartu, as well as Estonia and Hungary, cannot be forced; these relations were established and will grow further thanks to the positive contact between people.”
For further information on Veszprém: www.veszprem.hu
Office of the President
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Phone +372 631 6229
