Hussar discussed economic relations and cooperation in education with President of Singapore

Hussar said at the meeting that Estonia and Singapore had much in common, as they both were small and efficient countries with open economies. “Estonia learnt from you when we started building our country 30 years ago, and now we have reached a level we can be proud of,” he stated.

Hussar pointed out that the two countries were also united by a high level of education. “According to PISA tests, Estonia and Singapore are both leading countries in basic education. Good education is the foundation of future development and also provides the basis for future economic growth,” Hussar said. He also acknowledged the strong economic ties between the two countries and underlined that Estonia would like to develop the relations and cooperation further, especially in the digital sector.

Speaking of Russia’s full-scale war, which has lasted nearly 2.5 years, Hussar said he was concerned about the developments in Ukraine. “We have to help Ukraine in every way and as much as we can, so that Russia would be defeated in this war it has itself started. Otherwise, it will have a much wider impact – not only in Ukraine, but also in the rest of the world,” he said, and thanked Singapore for supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions against Russia. It was also emphasised at the meeting that Russia must be held accountable for the crimes and destruction it had committed in Ukraine.

Topics relating to education, as well as the global security situation, the impact of Russian propaganda and the developments in China were also discussed in depth at the meeting. Besides Hussar, member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Andres Sutt and member of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Kadri Tali participated in the meeting.

The President of Singapore, who is on an official visit to Estonia, has already had meetings with President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and representatives of Estonian start-up companies. Today he will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. The President of Singapore is on the visit together with his wife Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar discussed economic relations and cooperation in education with President of Singapore

Source: Parliament of Estonia