Prime Ministers of Finland and Estonia: “We will further strengthen relations between our countries”

Finland and Estonia are launching a yearlong study aimed at further developing relations between the two countries. This was decided when Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas met today in Helsinki. Today’s visit was Prime Minister Kallas’ first official visit abroad, which reflects the good and close cooperation between Finland and Estonia.

“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 Marin.

Former ministers Anne-Mari Virolainen from Finland and Jaak Aaviksoo from Estonia have been appointed to 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, Prime Minister Kallas also met with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office