Talon and Ratas discussed potential opportunities for cooperation and information exchange between Benin and Estonia. Also discussed were Estonia’s experiences with the e-state, as well as how countries and businesses can cope in a period of transition.

According to a government press release, Ratas assured the president that the experts and companies of Estonia were ready to share their knowledge and solutions regarding e-governance and information society with Benin, as well as with everyone else interested.

“I welcome the sincere interest of the President of Benin and the long journey he has taken to Estonia to seek and meet possible partners,” Prime Minister Ratas was quoted saying.

Talon and Ratas also discussed the next EU-Africa summit in Côte d’Ivoire that will take place next November and fall into the time of Estonia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union next year.

Ratas also thanked Benin for its support in the candidacy of Estonia as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

In his meeting with President Talon, President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor described Estonia’s electronic records management, and explained how it made accessing documents and signing them easier and more convenient. Nestor also spoke about e-voting at elections, the use of digital prescriptions, and submitting digital income tax returns.

“E-solutions make the life of the people of Estonia easier, and at the same time enable the state to be more effective and sustainable,” Nestor said.

Nestor joined the prime minister in his thanks for the support of Estonia’s candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2020–2021.

Chairman of Estonia-Africa Parliamentary Group Mart Nutt also participated in the meeting.