Estonian PM stresses int'l cooperation

Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas on Monday stressed the importance of close cooperation between Estonia and the international organizations as well as other countries.

At an oath-taking ceremony at the Estonian parliament Riigikogu, Ratas read out the text of the oath on behalf of himself and 14 other ministers of the new coalition government comprising of the Center Party, the Conservative People's Party and Isamaa, with five ministerial posts for each party.

Ratas pledged "solemnly to remain faithful to the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia, and to dedicate my efforts to safeguarding the well-being and future of the Estonian people."

For Estonia, a member of both EU and NATO, it is important to develop strong transatlantic relationships and international cooperation in general, according to Ratas.

Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid was present at the ceremony presided over by the parliament president Henn Polluaas.

The new coalition has five priorities including a family-friendly Estonia, a coherent society, knowledge-based economy, efficient governance, and a secure state, said the government.

Five political parties won seats in the 14th Estonian parliamentary elections held on March 3 for a four-year term. Out of the 101 parliamentary seats in total, the Reform Party has 34 seats, the Center Party 26 (currently 25 with another one converted to independent), the Conservative People's Party 19, the Isamaa Party 12 and the Social Democratic Party 10.