Mihkelson meets with UK's Brexit secretary
Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu chairman Marko Mihkelson met with the U.K.'s Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis in Tallinn on Thursday, where the discussion of fuure relations focused on issues related to citizens' rights.
At their meeting, Mihkelson said that all eyes were on the next two weeks preceding the meeting of the European Council in Brussels, according to a Riigikogu press release.
"We know that some very important decisions have not been made yet," Mihkelson said. "These decisions concern citizens' rights, border issues with Northern Ireland, and the U.K.'s obligations in regard to the EU budget. At the same time, there is a real threat that the negotiations may end here, and the Brits may move toward a 'hard Brexit.'"
The Estonian MP emphasized that it was in the interests of both Estonia and the whole EU to find a solution that would not weaken the unity of Western countries in a world full of challenges.
At their meeting, Davis provided an overview of the positions of the British government, which he will be taking to the next round of Brexit negotiations. He also affirmed the U.K.'s positive bilateral relations with Estonia and expressed hope that friendly relations with Estonia as well as the rest of the EU would remain a basis for future cooperation both in the security field as well as in promoting trade.
Estonians living in the U.K. are very hardworking, Davis said, noting that not a single person fro Estonia is currently receiving welfare in the U.K. and expressing hope that this would continue.
Editor: Aili Vahtla