Prime Minister Orpo and Estonian Prime Minister Kallas emphasised closer cooperation

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasised the importance of relations between Finland and Estonia when he met Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in Helsinki on Friday 29 September. Prime Ministers Orpo and Kallas discussed deepening cooperation in the security and defence sectors and in energy projects.

In addition to bilateral relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Orpo and Prime Minister Kallas talked about continuing support for Ukraine, preventing circumvention of sanctions against Russia, border management, security situation in the Baltic Sea region and cooperation within NATO.

According to Prime Minister Orpo, Finland has excellent relations with Estonia. He also sees opportunities for deepening the interaction between the countries. “We could have closer cooperation in border management, in defence policy and industry, and in energy projects,” says Prime Minister Orpo.

The prime ministers also discussed the approaching international meetings. Next week (5 October), the heads of state and government of the European Political Community will meet in Granada, Spain. The leaders of the EU Member States will then meet at the informal European Council (6 October). Topics on their agenda include strategic autonomy, which aims to strengthen the EU's influence both globally and in the neighbouring areas.

“The EU must rely on its own strengths and values. A strong single market, fair competition and open trade support the Union's competitiveness and create economic security. We should also take a critical look at Europe's dependencies in strategically important areas,” says Prime Minister Orpo.

Estonia's Prime Minister Kallas also met with President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö in Helsinki. Prime Ministers Orpo and Kallas met earlier this year in Tallinn on 5 July.

Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office.