In her speech, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas pointed out that exactly thirty years ago, President Lennart Meri had addressed the German people in the same hall. Kallas quoted the prophetic words spoken by Meri and recalled that President Meri warned already then against wishful thinking towards Russia and explained that the imperialist ideology of Russia had not gone away. “What if we had listened to his words back then?” asked Kallas.
Kallas recalled that thirty years ago, Vladimir Putin, the then Deputy Mayor of St Petersburg, was also was also among the guests. “Upon President Lennart Meri’s speech, Putin abruptly got up and left. Putin’s walk-out revealed his true colours very early on. Many just did not receive the message or did not want to pay attention. In 2007, at the Munich Security Conference, and now as Russia’s president, Putin outlined his expansionist ambitions very clearly,” Kallas said.
Speaking about the Munich Security Conference, Kallas also recalled what Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, said a few days ago: "Please do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself why Putin is still able to continue it.” Kallas said that we need to answer this question – not just in words but actions. "We also have to believe in Ukraine’s victory. Without true belief, no real action would follow,” she stressed.
In her speech, Kallas called on the whole free world to take an honest look at itself. “The truth is that Ukraine is running out of ammunition unless we come up with quick deliveries. Long-term commitments are important, but it is also a fact of war that the side having the most ammunition will win,” said Kallas.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that dictators are well aware of the elections in democratic countries. “Dictators think that elections make us weak. But if we have a clear goal of victory and a winning strategy in place, our democracies are also our strength and force,” said Kallas. The Prime Minister added that it is therefore crucial that Ukraine receives assistance regardless of party-political distractions or election results.
In her speech, Kallas noted that democratic governments also need to convince their public. “So it is highly important to keep the public informed of what the threats around us are,” said Kallas. “This is why Estonian intelligence services share their analyses and assessments with the public. Because information sharing makes sure the Estonian society, as well as our friends and partners abroad are aware and see the developments in Russia through a realistic lens. Being open is a strength of our societies, it makes it impossible for our adversaries to use the element of surprise as a weapon,” she added.
The Matthiae-Mahl dinner has been held since 1356, making it the oldest continuous event of its kind in the world. Among others, Jean-Claude Juncker, Justin Trudeau, David Cameron, Helle Thoring-Schmidt and, in 1994, Estonian President Lennart Meri have attended the dinner as guests of honour. This year, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher also gave speeches at the event.
Full text of the speech by Prime Minister Kallas (in English): https://valitsus.ee/en/news/address-prime-minister-kaja-kallas-matthiae-supper-hamburg
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720314931898/
