The Netherlands' Willem-Alexander, who became Europe's youngest monarch on Tuesday, made a visit to Estonia together with his wife, now Queen Maxima, in 2002.
New Dutch monarch visited Estonia in 2002
1st May 2013, 14:28
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Willem-Alexander, then prince of Orange, and Princess Maxima were in Estonia on June 17-18, 2002.
Prince Willem-Alexander had meetings in Tallinn with Estonia's then Prime Minister Siim Kallas, who informed the would-be monarch about the Baltic country's accession talks with the European Union, as well as with Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland, Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar and NGO representatives.
The heir to the throne also visited the IT college in Tallinn and went sightseeing in the capital city's medieval Old Town. Estonia's then President Arnold Ruutel and his wife, Ingrid, gave a dinner in the honor of the royal couple.
On the next day, Willem-Alexander proceeded to Tartu for meetings with the then mayor, Andrus Ansip, and the rector of the University of Tartu, Jaak Aaviksoo. The prince also visited the Baltic Defense College based in Tartu.
Willem-Alexander, 46, was sworn in as the king of the Netherlands on Tuesday after his mother, Queen Beatrix, aged 75, abdicated.