Finland, Estonia to boost security, defence, energy cooperation

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his Estonian counterpart Kaja Kallas on Friday met in Helsinki and discussed various bilateral and international issues including deepening cooperation in the security and defence sectors and in energy projects, said a government press release.

The Prime Ministers of the neighbouring countries also 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.

Orpo said Finland has excellent relations with Estonia and saw 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,” said Orpo.

The Prime Ministers also discussed the approaching international meetings.

On October 5, 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 on October 6.

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,” said Orpo.

Kallas also met with President Sauli Niinistö during her visit to Helsinki.

Prime Ministers Orpo and Kallas met earlier this year in Tallinn on July 5.