At the beginning of the meeting, good relationships of the two states were confirmed and, as examples of that, mutual visits of the Presidents, Prime Ministers as well as Speakers of the parliaments to neighbouring countries immediately after appointment to office were pointed out in the first place.

 

During the discussion, the current issues relating to economy and the financial situation pertaining to the European Union were tackled. The problems relating to the European Stability Facility guarantee agreements were also discussed. Both Ergma and Heinäluoma stressed that, after all, every European country has to be responsible for its budget possibilities and performance of the financial obligations assumed. It was noted that a system will have to be created in the monetary union which would urge states to follow a responsible financial policy. The heads of parliaments of both states underlined that it is such decisions that are expected from the upcoming European Union summit. The problems related to the enlargement of the European Union and the situation in Russia and Ukraine were discussed as well.

 

Both Ergma and Heinäluoma considered it important to expand the inter-state and regional cooperation in the field of cyber security which is increasingly becoming a significant security risk in the world. Heinäluoma considered this issue a promising field of joint activities and Finland has a desire to focus on it with the greatest attention.

 

Heinäluoma also had meetings with member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Sven Mikser and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet.

 

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, the Deputy Chairman Enn Eesmaa, and the Deputy Chairman of the Estonia–Finland Parliamentary Group Urve Tiidus took part in the meeting.

 

The Riigikogu Press Service