Kaljulaid discusses coronavirus crisis with President of Finland
On Tuesday, President Kersti Kaljualid discussed the coronavirus crisis with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö by telephone and what the movement restrictions mean for both countries.
During the crisis and emergency situation, Kaljulaid has not been receiving guests or going on official visits, but work has continued via telephone and video chat both domestically and internationally.
Tuesday morning, the two presidents shared concerns about the ongoing crisis and how Finland and Estonia can support each other.
Writing on Facebook, Kaljulaid said: "Some virus tests taken in Finland are analyzed in Synlab (in Estonia), while Finland helps Estonia to obtain personal protective equipment. Despite the crisis, it is important to ensure that our citizens return home smoothly and that goods move smoothly."
Talked to Sauli @Niinisto. Even as every country is facing their own set of problems, the crisis is making international coordination and support ever more valuable. Again: thank you to everyone doing their part. pic.twitter.com/cZQ0jasjs6
— Kersti Kaljulaid (@KerstiKaljulaid) April 7, 2020
Almost all passenger movement between the two countries will cease on April 11 until May 13. Finland is no longer allowing entry into Finland for ferry passengers to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Cargo transportation and transport of cargo drivers, crew, essential vessel maintenance staff and shipyard employees will continue on all routes as previously.
A spokesman for the Finnish government told ERR News on Tuesday morning that in the future they look forward to welcoming Estonians again: "After such difficult times we will be more than happy to welcome our Estonian friends, as we hope that Finns are again welcome to Estonia."
The president had a video conference on Tuesday with members of the Estonian Employers' Confederation. She wrote on Facebook they discussed the movement of labor and short-term workers, Kredex and the government's €2 billion package for the coronavirus' impact on the economy.
On Monday, Kaljulaid spoke with managers of Estonia's largest hospitals about the situation in both, she said there was some good news in that issues around the supply of personal protective have been solved. She also spoke to the head of Synlab, a laboratory analysing coronavirus tests.
Last week, the president spoke with Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Jose Angel Gurria, Director-General of the OECD.
A message about the meeting posted on her Facebook page said: "The crisis is changing the world. But Estonia can be an example for the world during and after the crisis: for example, we talked to the Director General of the WHO about Estonia's experience in the field of e-health, and again to the Director General of the OECD about the Estonian tax system and the future (digital) labor market."
In previous weeks, Kaljulaid has also held meetings with other world leaders online or by phone.
On April 1, Kaljualid spoke with the presidents of Slovenia and Iceland and wrote that countries have a lot to learn from each other when it comes to tackling the current crisis. The photographs posted were from previous visits.
Kaljulaid discussed cargo movement and other subjects with the President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen.
Spoke to @vanderbellen and reiterated our common understanding that free movement of cargo - especially across the EU - must continue with as little delay as possible. (Picture from 2018) pic.twitter.com/kHqWWICNXK
— Kersti Kaljulaid (@KerstiKaljulaid) March 23, 2020
She thanked German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for helping to get Estonian's back to their homeland.
Also spoke to president Steinmeier ???????? today, so I got a chance to thank #Germany for smooth teamwork in allowing transit for returning Estonians. It's vital that trade continues, and thus crucial we remove unnecessary restrictions. This way we support our people and stay united. pic.twitter.com/LrDTIFKiGs
— Kersti Kaljulaid (@KerstiKaljulaid) March 19, 2020
She also sent condolences to Italy while speaking to President Sergio Mattarella.
Phoned president Mattarella ???????? today. For sad reasons, Italian doctors &society have much to teach us. Forwarded my condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. Now we need to figure out how to keep the elderly safe & how to keep trade routes going. Andra tutto biene! pic.twitter.com/l10ovCrmaN
— Kersti Kaljulaid (@KerstiKaljulaid) March 19, 2020
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Editor: Helen Wright
