Ilves, Halonen Renew Common Causes
The Estonian and Finnish heads of state met in Helsinki on September 6. The timely issues of euro area stability and cyber security topped their agenda.
Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves opened the conversation by describing Finno-Estonian relations as characterized by cooperation on common European issues.
"As neighbors, we think the same way, our understanding of many issues overlaps," Ilves said. "This is especially important at a time when many countries in the euro area confront a serious financial crisis."
Ilves proposed that his government, together with Finland and Sweden, could join forces on the increasingly problematic file of cyber security.
For her part, Finnish President Tarja Halonen congratulated Ilves on his recent reelection last week.
Ilves's plans in Helsinki yesterday included further discussions with Halonen, a drop-by at the Estonian embassy, as well as a visit to the noted Finnish bookshop Kirjakauppa, where he presented his recent collection of essays, articles and speeches, entitled "Omalla äänellä" ("Powerful Word").
Andres Kahar