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President Ilves met with the German Head of State who arrived in Estonia on a state visit

President Ilves met with the German Head of State who arrived in Estonia on a state visit © Erik Peinar (Välisministeerium)

09.07.2013

The responsibility that Europe needs us to take now is not a burden but a challenge and it is an opportunity to make Europe stronger, confirmed the heads of state of Estonia and Germany, Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Joachim Gauck.

"Europe needs the example of Germany to emerge from its current stagnation, for Europe to improve economically and to protect human rights and common values," President Ilves said today in Kadriorg as he hosted the President of Germany, Joachim Gauck, who arrived in Estonia for a state visit.

"Stagnation is the worst for Europe. We need to decide and act as the European Union and the euro area must become stronger, more competitive," emphasised the Estonian Head of State, while describing Estonia and Germany as good allies that share a common understanding of Europe's problems.

President Gauck said that "Europe needs more Estonia", Estonia's innovative power, willingness to introduce tough reforms and to take the type of responsibility that relies upon trust and compliance with agreements.

During the state visit of the German Head of State and his partner Daniela Schadt, President Gauck, accompanied by a reputable business delegation, will have discussions with President Ilves, meet with the Chairman of the Riigikogu, Ene Ergma, and the Prime Minister, Andrus Ansip, as well as visit Tallinn Cathedral and the Storz Video Endoscopy Estonia OÜ company. Tomorrow evening, the presidents of Estonia and Germany will hold a discussion on the topic "What will we remember in the future?" at the Museum of Occupations.


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