Stenbock House, 11 October 2019 – At a meeting with the Minister of Defence of Germany, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas confirmed that Estonia and Germany are countries that think in the same way and emphasised Germany’s large contribution to ensuring the security of our region.

“Estonia and Germany are linked by strong historical bonds as well as very close co-operation in the modern day. We are both dedicated allies in NATO as well as the European Union, and consider the future of both organisations important,” said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas. “As partners, we both want our future Europe to be a safe and good place where to live in.”

Ratas added that Estonia greatly appreciates Germany’s effort in ensuring the security of the Baltic countries. “Within the framework of Enhanced Forward Presence of the allies, Germany participates in a NATO battle group in Lithuania, is one of the largest contributors to Baltic air security, and is a founding member of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. We also co-operate in joint foreign missions which help to ensure security all over the world. I just returned from Afghanistan where Estonian servicemen work together with German troops. Our countries also participate in the operations in Mali,” said the Prime Minister. “Thinking of the future, we have very many similar interests regarding cybersecurity, and this is an area where we could work together even more.”

Ratas and Kramp-Karrenbauer also discussed the economic co-operation of the two countries, wherein the greatest growth potential lies in the co-operation and innovation of startup companies. “We are certainly interested in Germany’s experience with high technology and innovative research and development activities,” asserted the Prime Minister.

In addition, Ratas and Kramp-Karrenbauer touched upon Estonia’s future role as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, climate issues, as well as Germany’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the next year.

Photos of the meeting: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHBHmyb