This year, Germany and Estonia celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the restoration of this connection. As a symbol of this special relationship, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany presented the City of Tallinn with a Buddy Bear. It is the first sculpture of this kind in Estonia. It was designed by the artist Julia Valtanen and has its permanent location in the recently modernized Tuvi Park.
German Ambassador Christiane Hohmann said at the ceremonial unveiling on August 31, 2021: "The Buddy Bears symbolize tolerance and international understanding. The main goal of the German-Estonian Buddy Bear is to spread happiness and optimism to all park visitors. I am very pleased to present the Buddy Bear sculpture to the city of Tallinn on the anniversary of friendly, diplomatic relations between our two countries."
The Mayor of Tallinn, Mihhail Kõlvart, also recognized the importance of the gift for the capital as well as the two countries. "Tallinn is now one of the many cities in the world whose urban space is decorated with a Buddy Bear to the delight of residents and city visitors. Besides being a beautiful new object in the urban space, the significance of this bear as a symbol is even more important - it is a tangible sign that reminds us that we have friends and allies in this changing world. I believe that the colorful statue of the Tuvi Bear will be received with joy by city residents."
Photos: Janne Lass
