Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Technology, Ukraine

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"The Ukrainian premier's visit to Estonia, initially scheduled to be carried out in November, has been postponed due to the spread of the coronavirus. Our relations also need to be developed during a pandemic, however," Ratas said.

"Estonia engages in close to 40 cooperation projects per year with Ukraine, which first and foremost focus on the strengthening of democracy, including through the development of e-governance, as well as supporting the business environment and improving the quality of education. Due to the spread of the coronavirus, we're also paying more attention to health care," he said.

The first cooperation project to be implemented will focus on the management of border crossing queues at two Ukrainian border inspection points. The project aims to use Estonia's experience in handling the issue in Ukraine and boost both cross-border movement and trade.

The heads of government also discussed bilateral relations and shared challenges in the two states' fight against the coronavirus. Estonia has provided Ukraine with masks, disinfectants, blankets and other equipment to help protect people from the virus and accelerate the recovery of those who have fallen ill.

Estonia and Ukraine are both trying to find a balance between public health and economic needs and are preparing to start the vaccination of the population and first and foremost people in at-risk groups. The European Union has promised to contribute 500 million euros to the global initiative COVAX geared at guaranteeing access to vaccines in low and medium income countries, such as Ukraine. 

Ratas reaffirmed to Shmyhal Estonia's strong support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"As an elected member of the UN Security Council, we are keeping the international community's constant attention on the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea," he said.

Ratas noted that Estonia is always ready to share its experience to help Ukraine proceed with its reforms, and supports the state's European Union ambitions

Other international topics discussed included the Three Seas Initiative and transitioning to green energy.