Finland, Estonia eye more cooperation

Prime Minister Antti Rinne on Friday met with his Estonian counterpart Jüri Ratas in Tallinn to discuss bilateral cooperation, important projects in the Baltic Sea region, and Finnish presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) among others.

Rinne expressed his satisfaction as he and Ratas agreed to boost cooperation on environment issue in issue.

“So that the Baltic Sea will be preserved in a better condition than now for the next generations,” according to a government press release quoting Rinne as saying.

The Prime Ministers of the neighbouring countries discussed the Rail Baltica project, a greenfield rail transport infrastructure project that aims to integrate the Baltic states into the European rail network.

They also discussed establishing the Finnish, Estonian and Latvian joint gas market, prospects of the Helsinki-Tallinn undersea railway tunnel, as well as the environmental situation of the Baltic Sea, which is one of the priorities for the new government of Finland.

Ratas highlighted the close relations between Estonia and Finland, stressing the increasing importance of cooperation in the ever-changing world.

"I am glad that we agree with Finland on all the major issues, because global challenges, such as the climate change and sustaining economic growth, can only be faced if we stand together," Ratas was quoted as saying in a statement.

"In order to continue moving forward in a neighborly manner, the Nordic countries and the Baltic states must keep on walking to the same rhythm in international issues where we share similar views, because our voices are stronger when we are together," he added.

Ratas also stressed the importance of digital cooperation, expecting a more advanced data exchange between the two countries besides digital prescriptions.

The Prime Minister also met with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid to discuss future cooperation, especially regarding the EU, climate goals and the Baltic Sea environment, terming Finland as one of the good neighbors and friends of Estonia.

Rinne's visit to Estonia was his first foreign visit after the new cabinet was formally appointed by President Sauli Niinistö on June 6.

The Finnish presidency of the Council of the European Union begins on July 1.