Madam President,

Thank you for your hospitality and for your kind and warm words.

I have been looking forward to returning to Estonia in connection with the celebration of the 100 years of Estonian independence and the legendary 800 years of the Dannebrog.
It is indeed fitting that this dinner takes place here at the Arvo Pärt Centre – as stunningly beautiful as the music of Arvo Pärt, which we have just been listening to this afternoon. 

In many ways, the Arvo Pärt Center represents the history and spirit of Estonia:
We are deep in the widespread Estonian forest, a place of shelter in troubled times and a source of wealth throughout history.
In the meadows nearby the blue Estonian cornflower raises its proud head, never surrendering, however strong the wind. 

We are in Laulasmaa – the singing grounds – reminding us of the singing tradition of the Estonian people. The whole world learnt about this tradition during the Singing Revolution and the Human Chain in connection with the restoration of the independence of Estonia. The singing tradition and the Estonian folk dance have been handed down from generation to generation. I still remember how, during the state visit to Estonia in 1992, the Prince Consort and I were invited to take part in Estonian folk dancing in a clearing next to the sea, an unforgettable experience. 

Madam President. It means a lot to me to be with you at this particular time, in these years when Estonia is celebrating its independence, obtained a century ago. 
In 1921 Denmark established diplomatic relations with Estonia, but only 20 years later Estonia was to suffer five decades of oppression and fear.  During those years Denmark was unable to be present in Estonia, but our diplomatic relations were re-established on August 24th, 1991. The Estonian cornflower never gave up. 

Madam President, the relationship between Estonia and Denmark has always been very special. The Baltic Sea has for centuries connected and united our two countries and our people. Both Estonia and Denmark depend on the sea as a bridge of peace facilitating trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

The story of Dannebrog falling from the sky at Lyndanisse, now Tallinn, is a legend that has been dear to us Danes for centuries. When in 1919 the 200 Danish volunteers arrived, they were aware that they came to Estonia exactly 700 years after King Valdemar II. 

In 2018, when 200 Danish soldiers participated in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia, history was repeated. The peoples of Estonia and Denmark know from personal experience that freedom and independence can never be taken for granted. 

Madam President, Denmark and Estonia are also partners and close allies within the European Union, where both our countries naturally gravitate towards each other. We often share the same views in our work for transparency, effectiveness and reliability. Estonia has gone through a rapid economic growth in the past decade and has become a global front-runner in digital development.

This cooperation can be further developed in many fields. By combining our strengths we can boost each other’s prosperity and sustainability during the next 100, and indeed 800, years to come. 
Madam President. I am happy and thankful that we are able to celebrate both the 100 years and the 800 years jointly, here in Estonia as well as in Denmark. 
On 29 March Estonia celebrated the 90th anniversary of Lennart Meri’s birth, the first president to take office following the restoration of the independent Republic of Estonia. I treasure the memory of meeting him on several occasions. His brilliant personality and his broad outlook created a solid foundation for modern Estonia. At the state visit to Denmark in 1994, Lennart Meri said the following: “The Danish Royal Castle is in Copenhagen, but the Garden of the Danish King is in Tallinn”. Today I have inaugurated the Danish Queen’s Garden of 800 roses, so as from today Tallinn is the home of the Danish King’s Garden as well as the Danish Queen’s Garden. I am very touched. 

Madam President, we have great confidence in Estonia’s future and we are certain that our partnership will continue in the years to come to the benefit of both our countries. 

I now ask everyone to rise and raise your glasses, as I propose a toast to President Kaljulaid and Mr Maksimovski and to the friendship between our peoples!