25 Years and Counting

Piret Lukk, spouse of Toomas Lukk, Estonia's ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly]

This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and China. Piret Lukk, spouse of Toomas Lukk, Estonia's ambassador to China, says celebrations to commemorate the anniversary — of each year — are important "benchmarks," which offer opportunities for both countries to strengthen their bilateral relationship. Piret accompanied her husband to China almost four years ago. "Although Chinese people are a bit suspicious of the number 'four,' for us it has been a good number, in terms of our destinations of diplomatic postings," she says. Piret was recently interviewed by Women of China (WOC), during which she outlined her role, as the Estonian ambassador's spouse, in building bridges to, and establishing connections with, China.

Q: What is your impression of China, and Beijing in particular?

A: I arrived in Beijing, with my husband, in August 2012. Previously, I had accompanied him during three postings — in the United States, Latvia and Georgia. China is our fourth posting … We have joked that if you look at the map, our rotations have gradually taken us from the West to the East, and have brought us to China, step by step.

In China, I have had wonderful opportunities to get out, meet Chinese people and learn about this fascinating country. For anyone who set out, for the first time, to an unfamiliar country, an inquisitive mind will help that person develop an interest in his/her surroundings. I was surprised (by the capital of China) soon after I arrived in Beijing — a modern and vibrant city, where new buildings are alongside old architecture, green parks perfectly match with elegant flower beds, and highways are hemmed with thousands of blooming roses. I always enjoy strolling through the local galleries and art areas, such as the 798 Art Zone. I also like visiting hutong and temples.

I believe the best part of every country is its people. Chinese people's kindness and readiness to tell me about their traditions — for example, the history of tea — and to offer useful advice have impressed me.

Q: Estonia opened its new embassy, a modern and stylish building, in Beijing last year. During an exhibition held in the new embassy, you mentioned your interest in art and architecture. What are some of the art forms that interest you?

A: It was a smart decision by Estonia to create opportunities for Chinese to develop an interest in our beautiful country — first through the eye-catching embassy, which represents today's Estonia, a modern, stylish and progressive country.

Last year, in the embassy, we hosted a graphic exhibition by a well-known Estonian artist, Reti Saks. Her distinct works of art resemble traditional Chinese ink-and-wash paintings, which highlight (the colors) black and white. The feedback we have received from Chinese spectators has been positive. Some of Saks' works have been collected by Chinese art lovers.

For me personally, I am interested in many forms of art. I grew up in a family in which everybody was good at singing. Music has been an integral part of my life … Now, in Beijing, I occasionally sing in a German choir. In terms of Chinese art, I am particularly passionate about ink-and-wash painting, and about calligraphy. Art has been like an instrument, which has helped me learn various aspects of Chinese culture and history. I am also interested in Chinese ceramics. I have seized every opportunity to attend concerts and watch contemporary or traditional Chinese opera performances.

Q: Please tell our readers about some of the events the embassy has organized to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Estonia's diplomatic relations with China.

A: During the last week in April, our embassy, in collaboration with China World Summit Wing (a luxury hotel in Beijing), organized Estonian Week, which included a series of events with the theme of "A Taste of Estonia — Nordic with a Twist." Throughout the week, the general public was welcomed to watch performances by top-level Estonian musicians, taste rare delicacies of the Estonian cuisine and attend an exhibition showcasing Nordic fashion designs. Representatives from Estonia's tourism and business sectors introduced our country as a tourist destination, and as a land (that highlights) innovation and business opportunities. Those events provided a good basis for enhancing mutual understanding and bolstering contacts between Estonia and China. The week helped build a new level of trust between the two countries. Since the signing to establish the diplomatic relations took place in September, 25 years ago, some of the events to mark the anniversary will be held this autumn.

Q: Information on your embassy's Weibo site indicates that Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been hosting "100 Friends" since 2014. The initiative is intended to enhance exchanges between young journalists. Why did Estonia implement the initiative?

A: Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited 25 young journalists from different countries, including China, to visit Estonia each summer since August 2014. The "100 Friends" initiative gives young journalists opportunities to come to, and get to know, Estonia. Each summer, the journalists are introduced to Estonian history, culture and policies regarding foreign affairs, as well as the business and investment opportunities that Estonia can offer. The journalists visit several cities, and they might have opportunities to meet members of our government.

The idea for the initiative was simple: Estonia will celebrate the 100th anniversary (of the founding of the country) in 2018, and, to mark the occasion, we want to make friends with at least 100 people, from different countries. For a small country, like Estonia, it is important for us to build good diplomatic and person-to-person relations with other countries/regions.

Message for International Children's Day:
 
In my country, families celebrate the day by spending time with children, and giving them surprises, such as baking cakes and eating ice cream. That is what my family did when I was a little girl. A Chinese proverb says that a child's life is like a piece of paper, on which every person leaves a mark. Therefore, my message as a mother is: I hope all children have peace and happiness, and a childhood full of love, joy and playfulness.

Piret Lukk with primary school girls from Shandong [Women of China English Monthly]

The Lukks with Beijing Foreign Studies University's students at the Estonian Week [Women of China English Monthly]

(Source: Women of China English Monthly June 2016 Issue)