“Although geography and history have shaped Belgium and Estonia in quite different ways, we share the same values, we have the same vision in regard to Europe’s security problems and we have the same understanding of the possibilities the digital state offers our citizens,” said President Karis upon meeting with King Philippe on Wednesday.
The Estonian head of state expressed his respect and thanks for the Belgian air force personnel operating out of Ämari in Estonia since the end of last year and through to March this year as part of the air security mission in the Baltic States. Belgium was the first country whose air force contributed to the mission, which it has been involved in since 2004. King Philippe acknowledged Estonia for being such a good partner in hosting the Belgian defence forces personnel and said he was gratified by the cooperation being pursued by the two countries in the area of cybersecurity and, in particular, in the Sahel region of Africa.
The Estonian and Belgian heads of state discussed opportunities for more extensive bilateral cooperation in the field of e-health, in which Estonia is prepared to continue with the exchanging of patient data and the mutual recognition of digital prescriptions. They agreed that such cross-border cooperation, especially in the midst of the pandemic, could form a solid basis for an EU-wide solution.
During their meeting, President Karis and King Philippe also discussed transatlantic and regional security and shared their thoughts on the meetings taking place this week at a range of international forums. The heads of state said that although it was too early to gauge the impact that these meetings would have, it was important for the parties involved to sit down together at the same table. Both expressed their concern over the situation in Ukraine and on its borders, saying that any escalation therein would represent a security risk to Europe as a whole. They agreed that de-escalation of the situation on Russia’s part was vital, to which end allies must show a united front and continue to support Ukraine.
