ESTONIA EAGER TO ENHANCE TIES WITH RP

08 November 2007—The Philippine Embassy in Stockholm reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Estonian President Toomas Hendrik llves warmly received Ambassador Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, non-resident Envoy of the Philippines to Estonia, during the presentation of credentials in Tallinn.

The President commended the good relations between both countries and has signified Estonia’s interest to intensify the relationship. His Excellency welcomed Ambassador Collinson’s proposal to enhance people-to-people and institution-to-institution contacts through increased tourism and trade, and vibrant cultural and educational exchanges.

As proposed by the Lady Ambassador, Minister of Culture Laine Janes agreed to activate the Philippines-Estonia Cultural and Educational Agreement by a visit to the Philippines of an Estonian performing group, and a resident artist in her Ministry’s agenda for 2008.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Estonian Trade Council Tambet Made expressed willingness to provide assistance in showcasing Philippine food products at the annual Tourism and Food Fair of the Estonian Fairs Association in February 2008.

Ambassador Collinson also requested the Government of Estonia to support the candidature of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). END.