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Estonian MFA: we want close security cooperation with Sweden

Juhan Tere, BC, Tallinn, 25.11.2014.Print version
Estonian Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus emphasized on Monday while meeting in Stockholm with Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, that Estonia and Sweden are close partners in the Baltic Sea region and in the European Union, who share the same values and have similar positions on major foreign policy issues, reports BC the foreign ministry press department.

Keit Pentus-Rosimannus and Margot Wallström. Stockholm, 24.11.2014. Photo: flickr.com

Speaking about the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, Foreign Minister Keit Pentus-Rosimannus stressed the need to further intensify cooperation between Estonia and Sweden. "Our views are very similar to those of Sweden and we see threats to the Baltic Sea region and to Europe in the same light. We wish to increase defence cooperation in the framework of Nordic-Baltic cooperation and to use opportunities arising from NATO partnership to the fullest," Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus said.

 

According to the Foreign Minister, defence cooperation with Sweden has been successful, for example in the activities of the European Union's Nordic Battle Group, in the field of cyber-security and in joint exercises, and Sweden is participating in the work of the Baltic Defence College. The Foreign Minister welcomed Sweden's intention to contribute to the activities of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre.

 

On the subject of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pentus-Rosimannus and Wallström expressed concern over the continued deterioration of the security situation in Eastern Ukraine. "Russia's continued non-compliance with the ceasefire and transporting of military equipment into the territory of Ukraine is unacceptable and is adding tension to the situation," Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus emphasised, stressing that the European Union must closely monitor the situation in Ukraine and take joint action if necessary.

 

Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus also highlighted the close economic ties between Estonia and Sweden. "Sweden is one of Estonia's most important foreign investors and trading partners. Our economies are closely interwoven through everyday business activities," the Foreign Minister said. At 26.5%, Sweden was the largest foreign investor in Estonia in the first half of this year and the largest export market, making up 17.2% of Estonia's exports.

 

The foreign ministers also discussed cyber cooperation and internet freedom. "Internet freedom and the security of cyberspace are not mutually exclusive. The weaving of economic space and cyberspace across borders in the region of the Nordic and Baltic countries requires close cooperation and a greater protection of cyberspace," Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus said.

 

Pentus-Rosimannus and Wallström also spoke about the situation in Syria, Iraq and the Middle East. According to Foreign Minister Pentus-Rosimannus, Estonian supports a two-state solution in the Middle East peace process. "Israel and the Palestinians must reach an agreement for providing security, concerning borders and in other key issues," the Foreign Minister said.

 

The foreign ministers also spoke of Nordic-Baltic regional cooperation and mutual support of each others candidacies in international organizations.






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