Estonia: President of the Riigikogu and Vice-President of India discussed closer cooperation

NordenBladet — President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas met with Vice-President of India Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu today. They discussed e-governance and intensifying of bilateral parliamentary cooperation.

“The excellent relations between Estonia and India have become closer in recent years,” Põlluaas emphasised. He said that although Estonia and India were different, they still had very many common interests. Among other things, he mentioned international cooperation to combat terrorism in the changed security situation.

Speaking of practical cooperation, Põlluaas said that Estonia was ready to share its experience and know-how in building up digital governance. Estonia is also looking for more possibilities for cooperation in higher education, business diplomacy and promoting tourism between the two countries.

Reform of the United Nations Security Council was also spoken about at the meeting, and both sides expressed hope for good cooperation. Estonia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020–2021. If India is elected, we will have the possibility to cooperate in 2021.

President of the Riigikogu called on India to open its embassy in Tallinn.

Põlluaas congratulated India on its Independence Day, which was celebrated on 15 August. Vice-President of India Naidu congratulated Estonia on the Restoration of Independence Day yesterday. He acknowledged the development of Estonia and said that both countries should share their best practices.

Vice-President of India invited the President of the Riigikogu to visit India.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Enn Eesmaa and Chairman of the Estonia-India Parliamentary Group Sven Sester also participated in the meeting. Sester underlined the long-time excellent cooperation of the Estonia-India Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu with the representatives of the Indian Embassy.

Source: Parliament of Estonia