Hussar discussed opportunities for digital cooperation with President of Botswana
At the meeting with President of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko, who is on a state visit to Estonia, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar confirmed Estonia’s readiness to share its experience in the fields of e-governance, digital services and cyber security.
Hussar said that the first state visit of an African President to Estonia was a special event, which was confirmed by the fact that the Estonia-Botswana Parliamentary Friendship Group had been formed in the Riigikogu today. The Bill on the ratification of the agreement for the elimination of double taxation between Estonia and Botswana also passed its first reading in the Riigikogu today. According to the President of the Riigikogu, the ratification of the agreement will open up new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries
At the meeting, Hussar, together with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson and member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Mario Kadastik, gave the President of Botswana a comprehensive overview of the digital solutions in use in Estonia. Among other things, the e-residency programme, online elections, e-banking and other e-services offered by the state and businesses were discussed. According to Hussar, the use of digital solutions in Estonia contributes significantly to efficiency.
Hussar pointed out that the most important thing when using e-services was to maintain the trust of society, and to address security and data protection issues in a wise and well thought out way. He assured that Estonia was ready to share information and experience with Botswana in the development of e-governance, digital services and cybersecurity. “We have great potential for cooperation in these areas. I hope to see fruitful cooperation between our two countries especially in the development of digital services,” he said.
The international security situation, the increasing of defence spending and support for Ukraine in the war of aggression launched by Russia were also spoken about at the meeting.
The President of Botswana is in Estonia at the invitation of President Alar Karis.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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