Finland, Estonia vow to boost co-op in defence, security sectors

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his Estonian counterpart Kaja Kallas met in Tallinn on Wednesday and discussed various bilateral, regional and international issues.

The discussions focused on the relations between Finland and Estonia, cooperation between the two countries within NATO, the security situation in Europe and strong commitment to support Ukraine as long as necessary, said a government press release.

The prime ministers also discussed a number of topical EU issues, such as boosting the EU defence industry, migration policy and the mid-term review of the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

They also discussed border security and closer cooperation in the energy sector.

“Estonia and Finland have strong cultural ties. We share similar values, ideas and understanding of the surrounding reality. In future, we will work even more closely together as members of the same military alliance, NATO. We will strengthen security and wellbeing throughout the Baltic Sea Region when all the Nordic countries and Baltic States are in the same alliance,” said Orpo at a joint press conference with Kallas.

“Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine emphasises the need for stronger military-industrial cooperation. We must strengthen our defence cooperation, security of supply, logistics and energy self-sufficiency,” he added.

Orpo also said that the main message of the Finnish Government is that Russia must leave Ukraine and that Finland will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.

The Premier also stressed the need to strengthen the EU and its competitiveness and to prepare for possible sudden changes at Finland's eastern border.

Orpo also met Estonian President Alar Karis during his visit.