Estonian ambassador to the US Hannes Hanso presented his credentials to President Donald Trump. Credentials were also presented by ambassadors from 13 other countries.
Ambassador Hanso shared his first impressions of the White House. He compared his work in the US with his previous post in China where he served as ambassador.
The credentials ceremony at the White House was a special experience. First, the ambassadors gathered in one house. Then they were taken to the White House. There they received instructions on what to do in the Oval Office where President Trump was waiting.
When the door opened, the ambassador walked up to Trump. The chief of protocol introduced him. Then they shook hands and the credentials were presented. Hanso told Trump he was from Estonia. Trump knows Estonia as the "digital country".
Trump laughed when Hanso asked if he wanted to read the credentials in Estonian. There was no lengthy conversation. However, Trump wrote Hanso a personal letter emphasizing the good relations between Estonia and the US.
Hansson liked Trump's messages. The president spoke about freedom, shared values, and trade relations.
Personal connections are important in the US. Hanso discussed Estonian projects with US officials, such as the Ukraine reconstruction conference.
Hanso preferred the White House to the Chinese palace. The White House is small and friendly. In China, the palace is large and formal. A meeting with Trump there would have to be very formal.
Hanso enjoys living in Washington. He didn't experience culture shock. He is getting to know the city. He is very happy with his work in the US.