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President Ilves congratulated Finland on Independence Day

President Ilves congratulated Finland on Independence Day © Toomas Volmer

06.12.2011

“96 years ago, Eduskunta declared Finland’s independence and Estonia gained its independence a couple of months later. Every year, with our hearts filled with pleasure and satisfaction, we have had the opportunity to say that relations between Estonia and Finland are closer than ever before. This is how we also feel this year, as both countries enjoy the same currency for the first time in their history. Our co-operation is also becoming tighter in a European Union context and it is quite symbolic that both Turku and Tallinn are bearing the honorary title of Cultural Capital of Europe,” wrote the President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, in his congratulatory note, which was sent to the Finnish Head of State, Tarja Halonen, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Finland.

“I myself experienced the heartfelt and uniquely close relations between the people of Estonia and Finland at Helsinki Book Fair in October, with Estonia being this year’s guest of honour at the event. We really do breathe in the same rhythm, and we understand Europe’s current problems and future opportunities in the same way. This friendship and mutual understanding is our huge shared treasure, and I consider the safekeeping and nurturing of this friendship as my mission,” assured the Estonian Head of State. “We always remember the Independence Day of the Republic of Finland and hold it dear on this side of the Gulf of Finland; allow me to forward both you and the people of Finland the biggest heartfelt congratulations from Estonia. Long live Finland!”

 

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