Malta, Estonia 'share values and visions'

Estonian President Arnold Rüütel and his wife had another packed programme yesterday, the second in a three-day state visit to Malta.

Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami and opposition leader Alfred Sant called on Mr Rüütel at San Anton Palace.

In the morning the president and his wife visited the Freeport and the Hypogeum and attended a tree-planting ceremony at the palace gardens, among other activities.

In the afternoon they were taken to St John's Co-Cathedral and the president also attended the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Chambers of Commerce of Estonia and Malta, which he described as a reflection of the "ever-increasing mutual interest" between the two countries.

Speaking to Maltese businessmen at the Chamber in Valletta, Mr Rüütel said the fact that both countries had said yes to the EU reflected shared values and visions.

It confirmed the understanding that acting together and strengthening economic ties could lead to the creation of an environment favourable for the well-being of the people.

Mr Rüütel said the success of Estonia's development was closely connected to its integration into the European economic space, which allowed for the enjoyment of a safe and reliable economic environment, a stable currency, lower interest rates and increasing trade.

The president augured that Malta and Estonia could also cooperate in the field of information technology and telecommunications.

During the meeting, chamber president Reginald Fava invited Estonian counterparts to avail themselves of the chamber's newly acquired premises in Brussels "to join forces to their best advantage vis-à vis the EU".

Estonian Economic Affairs and Communications Minister Meelis Atonen, who is travelling with the president, had separate meetings with Transport Minister Censu Galea and Finance Minister John Dalli.

Mr Galea said they had agreed to increase cooperation in various sectors such as merchant shipping and telecommunications.

The meeting with Mr Dalli focused on trade and investment, particularly in view of both countries' accession to the EU.

Another member of the president's delegation, Gunnar Okk, chairman and CEO of Eesti Energia of Estonia, visited Delimara power station where he met Enemalta chairman Tancred Tabone. He was taken on a tour of the station.

Mr Rüütel leaves Malta today, following a visit to Gozo.