Speech by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix at the State Banquet on the occasion of her State Visit to Estonia
Estonia, 15 May 2008
Mr President,
It gives me great pleasure to visit your country and to be your guest here this evening. This afternoon we were shown one of the most advanced centres of government in the world, and tonight we are gathered in the mediaeval heart of your capital, a city centre of such great historical significance that it has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. This combination of old and new is typical of your country. On the one hand you cherish an ancient culture, on the other you are completely open to modernity. Respect for the past goes hand in hand with interest in the future.
In the course of history, there has been frequent contact between our countries and our peoples have worked together successfully. In the late Middle Ages a lively trade arose in the context of the famous Hanseatic League, which linked the Low Countries with the towns and cities around the Baltic Sea. Later, when our country had become an independent power, these ties became so important that our great seventeenth-century statesman, Johan de Witt, even spoke of the 'mother of all trades'. Timber from this region was needed to build our houses and ships, and grain to feed our people. In the recent past these age-old contacts have been revived and our economic ties intensified. And the city links established between various places in our countries contribute to the further strengthening of contacts between our citizens.
Between that distant past and the present day lies a long and turbulent history that for your country was indeed not without tragedy. Foreign, and often cruel rulers oppressed your people and threatened your culture. But Estonia withstood these trials with great fortitude. Estonian culture was preserved through stories, fairy tales and songs and is still alive and well. Oral traditions have now been recorded in writing. Your compatriots' love of music shows in their active participation in numerous musical events. The Estonian identity is also expressed in choral music. What is more, Estonia's voice sounded as the herald of independence in the period that has since become known as the 'Singing Revolution'.
The desire of the Baltic peoples for freedom and independence was demonstrated back in nineteen eighty-nine by the impressive human chain that stretched over three states. No-one will ever forget that image. After that, freedom was regained and independence restored. Your country then set about modernisation with great vigour and resumed its place in Europe. The transition to a market economy was based on achieving monetary stability and price liberalisation as well as on restructuring production. Your people had to make great sacrifices, showing admirable resolution. The results are now clear for all to see. Your economy has grown rapidly and prosperity has increased. Partly through your personal efforts, Estonia is among Europe's frontrunners in the field of information technology.
It was to Europe that you turned and in turn you have given much to Europe. Estonia acceded to the European Union with great enthusiasm, bringing it a new vitality. Gifted, highly qualified people from your country are now involved in the work of the Union. Estonia's views are often in line with those of the Netherlands, and cooperation between our two countries is close and based on trust.
The same is true of our work in NATO. Itself long deprived of freedom and prosperity, Estonia is now working in an exemplary manner to support other peoples in their struggle for peace and security. Soldiers from your country play an important role in the NATO mission in Afghanistan and engage in combat there side-by-side with colleagues from the Netherlands.
Mr President,
In a short time Estonia has built a democratic state governed by the rule of law. That is to a considerable extent thanks to the efforts of one of your predecessors, President Meri. I retain very warm memories of his visit in 1996 and the impressive address he gave in Middelburg in 2004 on being awarded the Roosevelt Medal for Freedom of Speech and Expression.
The past now lies behind you, but it has of course left its scars. The composition of your population has been permanently affected. It goes without saying that this has caused substantial problems. The integration of a large minority was an important element in building a democracy under the rule of law. That process is not yet complete: not all the problems of integration have been solved. We in the Netherlands are following with great interest and admiration the thoughtful way in which you are coping with this difficult legacy of the past and the generosity you display in doing so. As you yourself recently said, it is not just a question of legislation but of mutual respect, along with the inner conviction that living and working in a particular society is well worthwhile.
Mr President,
Your country recently celebrated the ninetieth anniversary of its declaration of independence. It is a coincidence, but a happy one, that my visit follows so shortly thereafter, so that I can take advantage of the occasion to offer my congratulations. I should like to invite all those present to raise their glasses with me and to drink to your health Mr President, to that of Mrs Ilves, to a bright future for your country, to our cooperation within the European community of states and to the friendship between our two peoples.
Tallinn, May 14 2008