Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marko Mihkelson is on a four-day working visit in London to discuss the process of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the issues connected with ensuring the security of Europe, and bilateral defence cooperation that will become significantly closer this year.

In Mihkelson’s opinion, it is very important, especially at present, to expand bilateral relations with the UK in order to be better prepared for Estonia’s Presidency of the EU Council, and for defence cooperation that will grow significantly this year and is aimed at deterring common threats.

During his visit to London, Mihkelson will meet Director of Trade and Partnerships in the Department for Exiting the European Union Antony Phillipson, with whom he will discuss the issues relating to the UK leaving the EU.

Transatlantic relations after the new administration of the USA enters into office will be talked about with Director, Americas at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Kara Owen.

Relations between the UK and Russia, and also the perspectives of the relations between the West and Russia will be in the focus at the meeting with Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Michael Tatham.

Relations of the Western countries with Russia and their possible developments in the light of the coming elections will be discussed with Head of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House James Nixey.

Besides that, Mihkelson will meet with the representatives of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and the Ambassador of Estonia to the UK Lauri Bambus.

Mihkelson will also give an interview to the TV channel Sky News, where the main topics will be the allied relations of NATO and the situation faced by Europe after Brexit, and meet with the journalists of Channel 4.

Riigikogu Press Service
Epp-Mare Kukemelk
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