Cooperation between Estonia and Finland is closer than ever before in every field, President Karis remarked upon meeting with Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Anu Vehviläinen in Kadriorg today. “The new report on future cooperation which is due for completion next March will provide us with a fresh vision to take Estonian-Finnish relations to the next level,” the head of state said. “We need a spirit of cooperation in order to find joint solutions to major, worldwide problems like climate change, security and energy issues.”
In discussing relations between their two countries, President Karis and Speaker Vehviläinen focussed as well on economic relations, the digital environment, transport infrastructure projects and renewable energy opportunities.
Also exchanged were thoughts on the hybrid attacks being waged against European countries by the Belarusian regime. “The aim of these attacks is to spark chaos and divide the European Union,” President Karis said. “We will not let that happen. The European Union is united and we stand in solidarity with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.”
The Estonian head of state and Finnish parliamentary speaker expressed their concerns at Russian military manoeuvres close to the Ukrainian border and confirmed that they are keeping a watchful eye on developments. “Further escalation of the situation would present a danger not only to Ukrainian security, but to the security of Europe as a whole,” President Karis warned.
Cooperation with the European Union’s Eastern Partnership states and the related summit being held in December were also discussed during the meeting.
In regard to resolving the coronavirus crisis, President Karis said that Finland had been successful in doing so, including in vaccinating its population against COVID-19. The Estonian head of state and Finnish parliamentary speaker agreed that cooperation between their countries was important in overcoming the health crisis.
