On the 85th birthday of President Arnold Rüütel, his portrait was unveiled at the Office of the President.
Portrait of Arnold Rüütel was unveiled at the Office of the President
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"You played an important role in restoring Estonia's independence and becoming a member of the European Union," told the Head of State, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, addressing his predecessor. "This painting has captured your warmth and your humanity extremely well."
The portrait was commissioned from the distinguished Estonian water colour artist Valli Lember-Bogatkina especially on the wishes of the Rüütel family.
Ingrid Rüütel stated that, "Arnold Rüütel has been given a dignified position in this respectable house, on a respectable wall, in a respectable company".
Next to the portrait of President Arnold Rüütel, who held the office from 2001-2006, hangs the portrait of the first Estonian Head of State, Lennart Meri, who restored our independence, painted by Jüri Arrak.
The Prime Minister, Andrus Ansip, also came to Kadriorg to offer his congratulations, bringing a sweet cherry tree as a present on behalf of the Government. President Ilves gave Arnold Rüütel a young oak tree.
The portraits of all the head of states of the Republic of Estonia are displayed on the walls of 1st floor gallery of the Office of the President.