Situation in the euro zone discussed during state visit to Estonia

Mrs Evelin Ilves, President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves and doctor Pentti Arajärvi. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

The situation in the euro zone and Estonia's accession to the common currency received special attention in discussions when President of the Republic Tarja Halonen met with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia in Tallinn at the start of a state visit on Tuesday, 4 May. Both Presidents expressed concern over the economic situation in Greece and emphasized compliance with rules and open, transparent activities to resolve the situation.

According to President Halonen, Finland supports Estonia's accession to the euro zone, and she emphasized that the accession criteria should not be changed at this point, in spite of the economic situation. "Hopefully we can soon welcome Estonians to the common currency", President Halonen said at a joint press conference that was held after the discussions.

Cooperation in the Baltic Sea region and good bilateral relations between Finland and Estonia also received attention in the discussions. Both Presidents emphasized the unique and special nature of relations in the fields of politics, economics, culture and connections between citizens.

President Halonen and Dr Pentti Arajärvi made a two-day state visit to Estonia on 4-5 May 2010. On Tuesday President Halonen also met with Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and dropped by the Children's Literature Centre in Tallinn.

Among those accompanying President Halonen was Minister of Education Henna Virkkunen, who met with Estonian Minister of Education Tõnis Lukas and learned more about instruction in Finnish at a secondary school in Tallinn (Tallinna Ühisgümnaasium).

Close economic relations even in difficult times

On Wednesday, 5 May President Halonen visited the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), where she gave a speech and met with Speaker Ene Ergma.

In her speech President Halonen again emphasized the good relations between Finland and Estonia in many different fields. According to President Halonen, EU membership has also strengthened economic integration, and southern Finland and northern Estonia already form a fairly tight economic area. "Companies in neighbouring countries are often competitors on export markets, but in the case of Estonia and Finland they are more like cooperation partners. Around 3,000 Finnish firms operate in Estonia. This economic 'bridge to Finland' has endured well also in difficult times," President Halonen said.

Labour already moves freely between Finland and Estonia, and in President Halonen's view we can expect that the number of people working in the other neighbouring country will increase. "It is important also in the future to play by labour market rules and respect workers' rights," she added.

"I once had the pleasure to warmly welcome Estonia to the European Union. I hope that Finland can welcome Estonia also to the euro zone at the beginning of next year. Estonia's success and economic stability are important for us, and I believe that having a common currency will further increase our opportunities for cooperation," President Halonen said.

Cultural cooperation in Viinistu

During the visit President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi also stopped at the Viinistu Art Museum, which is located in Lahemaa National Park on Estonia's northern coast. President Halonen opened an exhibition of lithographs that includes works by nine prominent Finnish artists, such as Kuutti Lavonen, who has received prizes for the artwork he created for St. Olaf's Church in Tyrvää.

President Halonen made a state visit to Estonia in 2000 at the invitation of President Lennart Meri and an official visit in 2003 at the invitation of President Arnold Rüütel. During her presidency she has also travelled to Estonia nearly twenty times on working visits and privately. 

• 5/5/2010 Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament)
• 5/4/2010 Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a banquet hosted by President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia

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