Boris Gryzlov: Russia and Estonia enjoy close neighbourly relations

Estonia and Russia enjoy 'close and neighbourly bilateral relations.' As a Rosbalt correspondent reports, this was announced by Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov, who is currently in Tallinn on an official visit.

Due to Estonia's entry into the EU, Russia will have a new border with the EU, which will have a significant influence on Russian-Estonian relations and will also help Russia to take a more active role in European organisations, he said. 'We envisage Russia as a fully-fledged member of all European organisations in the future,' Mr Gryzlov said, adding that Russia has often appealed for simpler regulations for those Russians travelling within the EU.

Mr Gryzlov was the first Russian official to congratulate Estonia on its decision to enter the EU after the referendum on September 14. 'We welcome this decision and understand that this is a step towards the integration of all Europe,' he said.