The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu met the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss upper house. The parties discussed bilateral relations and opportunities for developing these, primarily in the form of economic cooperation. Other topics included the international situation, from the events in Ukraine to the spreading of Islamic extremism in the Middle East.

“Relations between Estonia and Switzerland are developing in a good positive rhythm, with both trade and investments on the increase,” said the Chairman of the Committee Marko Mihkelson. He added that both countries are cooperating closely in various international organisations, including the UN.

“Yet it is clear that the current world order has come under huge pressure. Times are dynamic and threats to the Western value space keep growing. This is why it is very important to strengthen cooperation and consensus among democracies with similar ideas,” Mihkelson said.

He added that small nations like Estonia and Switzerland can definitely make their contribution to directing international discussion because both countries are interested in preventing disagreements from escalating into unpredictable conflicts.

In addition to Mihkelson, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee Imre Sooäär, Barbi Pilvre, Enn Eesmaa and Andre Sepp also took part in the meeting.

The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss upper house was also greeted by the President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor.

Photos of the meeting can be viewed here and here.