Regional cooperation, including collaboration within the Baltic Sea region, as well as as part of the Three Seas Initiative is an important aspect of cooperation between Poland and Estonia. “I would like to thank Estonia for its involvement in the cooperation within the Three Seas Initiative, which Poland sees as the most representative formula of further, deeper integration of member states on the EU’s eastern flank and of strengthening transatlantic ties,” said Minister Rau adding that Poland appreciates Estonia’s leading role in the Initiative’s digital component. “We fully support the concept of transforming the Three Seas region into an innovation hub in the area of energy and smart mobility and a global supplier of IT solutions. We hope to sustain close cooperation, thus further developing the Three Seas Initiative,” noted the head of the Polish MFA.

One of the most important topics discussed during the talks between the heads of Polish and Estonian diplomacies were security issues. The top diplomats spoke about, among other subjects, the results of the June NATO summit, cooperation within regional fora, such as the Bucharest Nine and the importance of transatlantic relations. Furthermore, Ministers Rau and Liimets discussed security challenges in our eastern neighbourhood, including the tense situation in Belarus and Russia’s aggressive policy. “I am happy that we have a similar perspective on these subjects,” noted with appreciation Minister Rau. At the same time, he reassured his interlocutor that Poland will continue its efforts to secure the release of all political prisoners in Belarus, including the leaders of the Polish national minority. “I am convinced that we can count on the support and further fruitful cooperation with Estonia in this area,” he added.

The heads of Polish and Estonian diplomacies agreed that relations between our countries are excellent and have remained close and strong despite restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The top diplomats took note with satisfaction of the dynamic political, economic, and military cooperation, as well as collaboration on strategic infrastructural projects in transport (Rail Baltica and Via Baltica) and energy (including on the process of synchronising the electricity grid of Estonia and other Baltic states with continental Europe).

The visit of Minister Liimets in Warsaw falls on the centenary of establishing diplomatic relations between Poland and Estonia and on the 30th anniversary of their restoration following Estonia’s regained independence. It was an excellent opportunity to recall historical links between Poland and Estonia and to manifest the strategic character of our contemporary relations. It is the first visit by the Estonian chief of diplomacy in Poland since the formation of a new government in Estonia.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA