The welcome I have received here in Estonia today has moved me deeply and I am honoured to be present here in the Estonia Concert Hall to celebrate the 100 years of Estonian independence and the 800 years of Dannebrog, the Danish flag. 
The memory of the fierce battle in June 1219 has been kept alive in both Denmark and Estonia, but the animosity is long forgotten and both our countries have been closely connected for centuries. 
In Denmark, Estonia is now revered as the birthplace of our flag, the Dannebrog, which we Danes hold so dear.  The times of crusades and wars between our countries are things of the ancient past and have been replaced by friendly cooperation. Today we are partners and allies.
Madam President, we thank you and the Estonian people for allowing us to celebrate our flag together with your own “Sini-Must-Valge” here in Tallinn and to be part of the jubilee celebrations of which this concert is one of the many moving events. 

The Danish King’s Garden at Toompea is a very special evidence of the strong Danish-Estonian cultural relations and as from today 800 red and white roses will also mark the Danish Queen’s Garden, a gesture which touches me and makes me very proud. 
An important role in maintaining and developing Danish-Estonian cultural ties is The Danish Cultural Institute. The Institute has brought orchestras to Estonia, facilitated art exhibitions and initiated the arrangements of the Danish and Nordic film festivals. The Danish Cultural Institute has also sponsored the translation of Danish literature into Estonian and co-operated with various Estonian organizations on education and social projects. 
In Denmark the works of your great composer Arvo Pärt are much admired and frequently played, as I myself have had the joy of witnessing. The description of his music with words such as “bright sadness” and “silence and stillness” sums up the beauty of his work. 
I wish everyone who is listening to and watching this concert here in Estonia as well as in Denmark a moving and enjoyable experience.