Arrival Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey D. Levine

Eestlased Eestis | 09 Sep 2012 | EWR

U.S. Embassy Tallinn September 9, 2012

Tere! Mul on väga hea meel, et ma olen saabunud ilusale Eestimaale!

Thank you for joining my wife Janie and me here today.

I can’t tell you how pleased I am to finally be here. I first learned I would likely be coming to Estonia more than a year ago. I’ve been looking forward to this day ever since then, while doing my best to learn as much as I could about your country. I have a lot of facts and figures in my head, but I am so looking forward to seeing it all for myself. I also started studying Estonian where, coincidentally, my teacher told me that it’s difficult to translate the statement “I am looking forward to…” So you obviously have your work cut out for you.

As I did my consultations, it became clear that Estonia and the United States share a strong bond and deeply held values. We are allies in the very best sense of the word, and I look forward to (there’s that phrase again) continuing the good work of my predecessor and the entire U.S. Embassy staff in Tallinn in strengthening the bonds of friendship – government to government, business to business and people to people -- between our two countries.

Since re-independence, Estonia has emerged as a true success story. From its expertise in cyber-security, e-governance, and technological innovation to its economic recovery, Estonia has demonstrated its ability to contribute on equal footing to the global community. The United States greatly appreciates Estonia’s commitment – and sacrifices – in Afghanistan and elsewhere as a valued ally in support of our common democratic goals.

Estonia is the kind of ally that Ambassadors dream of working with. The kind of ally where you know that there are no limits to what our two countries can accomplish together. My wife and I feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity and are grateful for the warmth and support we have received since my nomination was announced. Thank you again for coming out today.

Eestlased Eestis

Kaksteist Briti sõdurit said Eestis liiklusõnnetuses vigastada