Foreign Minister Mikser: Estonia would like ambitious Eastern Partnership to remain in the focus of EU foreign policy

Today, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser met with the Minister of EEA and EU Affairs of Norway Frank Bakke-Jensen. According to the ministers, the relations between Estonia and Norway are very good, characterised by close cooperation in economy, culture and security.

Talking about the Eastern Partnership, Foreign Minister Mikser pointed out that there are many events taking place during the Estonian Presidency i of the Council of the EU i where the Eastern partners are involved. “Estonia would like to keep the ambitious Eastern Partnership in the focus of the EU. To bring the Eastern partners closer to the EU, we support reforms they make to develop democracy and efficient economic environment and to ensure security,” the Foreign Minister emphasised.

Talking about regional cooperation, Mikser said that Estonia highly appreciates the Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8) of countries that share the same values and see the regional interests and challenges similarly. “The current challenges in the EU and in the world have further increased the need for closer Nordic-Baltic cooperation and the NB8 format is the best opportunity for such cooperation,” Mikser said.

Talking about Russia, the Foreign Minister noted that there is no progress on the Minsk Agreements and it is important to continue sanctions to convince Russia to change its policy.

Tomorrow, Minister Bakke-Jensen and the Estonian Minister for Health and Labour Jevgeni Ossinovski will sign an agreement between Estonia, the EEA and Norway on the new funding period.