Finland, Estonia to step up bilateral ties

Finland and Estonia have decided to launch a yearlong study aimed at further developing relations between the two countries.

The decision was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Sanna Marin and her Estonian counterpart Kaja Kallas in Helsinki on Friday, according to an official press release.

Friday’s visit was Kallas’ first official visit abroad, which reflects the good and close cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

“Finland and Estonia have an excellent, special relationship. That said, we can still develop and strengthen our joint efforts in many areas. A long time has passed since the last report was published on this subject in 2008,” said Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

Former ministers Anne-Mari Virolainen of Finland and Jaak Aaviksoo of Estonia have been appointed to jointly lead the study. Foreign policy institutes in both countries will support their work. Topics to be addressed in the study include digitalisation, trade, education, contacts between citizens, and security issues.

In their talks, the prime ministers also discussed the situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures in place to manage it.

They also addressed topical EU issues such as climate policy, EU-Russian relations and the themes of next week’s videoconference of the European Council. Topics on the agenda for the videoconference of EU leaders include the COVID-19 pandemic and security and defence cooperation.

During her visit to Helsinki, the Estonian PM also met with President Sauli Niinistö.