At the meeting of President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto, the internal political situation in both countries after parliamentary elections, and the issues relating to the formation of coalitions and the government starting its work were spoken about.

Põlluaas gave an overview of the work of the Estonian Parliament during its first months, and highlighted some decisions that had been adopted, including the Act on the reduction of alcohol excise duty, which would have an impact on the Estonian economy both from the north and from the south.

Haavisto welcomed the election of Estonia as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and considered it an achievement. Põlluaas and Haavisto agreed that it would provide Estonia an opportunity to make itself known around the world. “It will give us a possibility to take part in solving important international problems,” Põlluaas emphasised.

Current problems of the European Union that relate to Brexit and the disagreements of some countries in several key issues were also touched upon at the meeting. It was also admitted that in spite of the differences of opinion, the EU continued to function and tried to solve its problems through negotiations. The new composition of the recently elected European Parliament and the new nominees for the European Commission both from Estonia and Finland were also spoken about at the meeting. Discussion of the topics relating to the European Union was relevant for Finland’s coming Presidency of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa, who participated in the meeting, underlined the excellent relations between the two countries. This is attested by the regular meetings of parliamentary committees and parliamentary groups.

Photos of the meeting:

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal,
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