Reception in the Rose Garden for the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia's independence

Yesterday representatives of the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia had the honour of attending the reception in the Rose Garden of Kadriorg Palace for the 34th anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Estonia.

In a festive atmosphere, the President of Estonia Alar Karis and First Lady Sirje Karis welcomed a large number of distinguished guests, including officials, politicians, public figures and representatives of culture and education.

On 20 August 1991 the Estonian people restored their independence! Since then this day has been a symbol of freedom, unity and the strength of the nation. This year, in his speech, the President of Estonia focused on defending freedom and democracy and stressed that the country's success story, which unites Estonians both as people and as a state, rests on three pillars – freedom, education and culture!

"Estonia's story is a story of freedom. A success story that has grown out of education and culture and rests on them."

"Thirty-four years ago we regained a world in which one can be oneself and think and speak in one's own way. Its strength comes from freedom, equal opportunities, solidarity and the protection of fundamental rights."

He recalled that freedom needs constant protection:

"Freedom must be constantly safeguarded. We must be vigilant: freedom and values are under pressure all over the world, and this is the main problem of democracy."

Speaking about the international situation, Alar Karis noted:

"The world as a whole is in a difficult situation. Old conflicts have thawed and new ones have begun – today there are already more than fifty. Former understandings and agreements no longer work, and the international atmosphere is full of tension. Brute force and the power of coercion once again threaten to put values and common principles 'on pause'."

Representatives of the Association had the opportunity to talk personally with President Alar Karis and his wife Sirje Karis and to thank them for their support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and for their care for the Ukrainians who have found refuge in Estonia.

During the reception we were also able to talk with politicians, officials and cultural figures who consistently support Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in Estonia: Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Chairman of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, Klen Jäärats of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), Director of the Kadriorg Art Museum Aleksandra Murre, Head of the Narva Museum Maria Smorževskihh-Smirnova, Estonian film directors Elmo Nüganen and Hardi Volmer, and Puuluup frontman Marko Veisson. All of them assured us of their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their continued support.

We are united by shared values: love for our land, faith in the power of democracy and freedom, and responsibility for the future of the whole European family. Today, as Ukraine defends its right to be independent and free, Estonia's support is invaluable.

Thank you, Estonia, and happy birthday!