Members of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) met with the delegation of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). At the meetings with the Vice-President of the Riigikogu, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu and the Estonia-China Parliamentary Group, bilateral relations between Estonia and China, economy, politics and culture were spoken about.

Vice-President of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa and Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the CPPCC Liu Hongcai acknowledged the excellent relations between the two countries and parliaments. “It is important to extend and develop diverse cooperation, especially in the field of economy and culture. We expect greater cooperation also in information technology and trade,” Eesmaa said.

Head of the Chinese delegation confirmed the need to develop economic cooperation. He also acknowledged Estonia’s success in innovation, research and information technology and expressed the wish to share experience with Estonia.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson said that the continuation of the world order based on rules was important for Estonia as a small country. “Such bilateral visits contribute to the shaping of common understanding, which is necessary in the present international situation.”

Mihkelson added that the meeting mainly focused on economic cooperation. “The head of the Chinese delegation expressed the wish to promote greater cooperation with the Baltic States and the Nordic Countries,” Mihkelson pointed out.

“I highly appreciate the excellent relations between Estonia and China, and on this basis, it is possible to continue successful trade cooperation. We have to think how to support the mutual relations between businesses and countries, particularly in e-commerce, because internet buying has significantly increased in China. Estonia could be an e-commerce attraction centre for them,” Mihkelson said.

Issues relating to the Korean Peninsula, domestic policy developments in China during the last year, and the Belt and Road Initiative, which is called the new Silk Road, were also discussed at the meeting. Besides that, environment and climate change issues were spoken about. The head of the Chinese delegation congratulated the Republic of Estonia on its 100th anniversary.

The meeting of the Chinese delegation with the Foreign Affairs Committee was attended by Chairman of the Committee Marko Mihkelson, Deputy Chairman of the Committee Keit Pentus-Rosimannus and members Oudekki Loone, Barbi Pilvre, Henn Põlluaas and Anne Sulling.

The delegation of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the CPPCC also met with the Chairperson Helmen Kütt, Deputy Chairperson Dmitri Dmitrijev and members Toomas Kivimägi, Jaak Madison and Sven Sester of the Estonia-China Parliamentary Group.

Photos of the meeting

Riigikogu Press Service
Marie Kukk
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