President of the Riigikogu and his Finnish counterpart discussed the tense security situation

NordenBladet —

Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas held a video meeting with Speaker of the Eduskunta (Parliament of Finland) Matti Vanhanen. They spoke about the complicated security situation in Europe, which has been caused by Russia’s aggressive actions.

Ratas and Vanhanen agreed that the speech made by the President of Russia yesterday was contrary to international law, and that such a statement was bound to be followed by sanctions.

Ratas briefed his Finnish counterpart about his recent visit to Ukraine and said that Ukraine was very grateful for political, economic, and military support.

“The situation is very tense at the borders of Ukraine, and we need to give our full support to that country. Estonia is committed to continue to support Ukraine in all these fields,” Ratas emphasised. “They need international attention and support now more than ever.”

Ratas pointed out that President of Estonia Alar Karis was on a visit to Kyiv today to express support to Ukraine. Ratas added that the Riigikogu had adopted a resolution supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ratas underlined that it was very important to be united on the swift response in case of Russia’s further aggression. “The European Union and NATO have been expressing exemplary unity on this,” Ratas said, and expressed hope that this unity would become even stronger.

Ratas congratulated Vanhanen on his re-election and wished him strength and luck in leading the Parliament. He also congratulated Finland and the Finnish hockey team on their Olympic gold medal.

The bilateral good-neighbourly relations and cooperation between Estonia and Finland were also discussed at the video conference. Ratas and Vanhanen also exchanged information on the current situation with the spread of the coronavirus and the organisation of work of parliaments during the pandemic.  

Photos (Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Source: Parliament of Estonia