Ratas meets with Spanish foreign minister
Prime Minister Jüri Ratas met with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Alfonso Dastis in Tallinn on Wednesday, where they discussed bilateral Estonian-Spanish relations, the future of the EU, including Estonia's upcoming EU presidency, and cooperation within NATO.
Relations between Estonia and Spain are excellent, according to Ratas, particularly in the fields of culture and economy. According to the prime minister, the two countries' positions are close and cooperation between them smooth, including in the contexts of the EU and NATO, according to a government press release.
On the subject of the future of the EU, Ratas stressed the importance of unity and determination, including during and after the process of the U.K.'s departure from the union, in order to avoid the emergence of new dividing lines in Europe.
Ratas also introduced to Dastis Estonia's priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, noting that the focus would be on the development of an innovative, safe, digital and inclusive Europe.
The prime minister and the Spanish minister likewise discussed European security, EU-NATO cooperation and cooperation in defense-related matters.
Ratas also welcomed the Spanish personnel taking over NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission at Ämari Air Base, adding that this was a clear sign of solidarity.
"Just as Spain contributes to the security of Estonia, NATO and the EU, Estonia does its part to fight the security threats facing Europe, both within and outside of NATO and the EU, including, for instance, in Lebanon and Mali," said the Estonian prime minister, adding that Estonia, in cooperation with Spain, was preparing to contribute further to EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean.
Editor: Aili Vahtla