PM: National minorities wish to contribute to Estonia's development

  • 2018-01-10
  • LETA/TBT Staff

TALLINN - National minorities want to contribute to Estonia's development and are really interested in the centennial of the country, Prime Minister Juri Ratas said on Tuesday after a meeting with representatives of national minorities.

"It is of course important to the government and to our whole country that our society is cohesive and integrated and that all residents have a good life here. Irrespective of their gender, age, native language, social status or dwelling place," Ratas was quoted by spokespeople as saying. "Therefore I'm glad that representatives of national minorities are very interested in the EV100 events and I hope that our celebration will therefore reach as many local residents as possible," he added.

More than 30 representatives of national minorities took part in the meeting. They expressed their worry over the situation of their young people. In a situation where many young people leave Estonia for other countries, it is even less likely that young people who belong to national minorities will return to Estonia than young Estonian-speakers.

According to the representatives they wish to contribute to the development of the Estonian society and not only by introducing their national culture or cuisine. They expressed hope that during Estonia's centennial the interest of media in their initiatives will grow.

It was the first such meeting, but Ratas expressed hope that such communication will become regular.