Stenbock House, 24 August 2016 – According to Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Estonia confirms and further strengthens the friendship of the two nations and the good relations that they have developed in the last 25 years.
“Germany is an important friend, ally and partner for Estonia; therefore, the decision of Chancellor Angela Merkel to visit Estonia is of a symbolic significance,” said Taavi Rõivas, adding that one of the topics of his meeting with Angela Merkel will definitely be the cooperation between the two countries – and the promotion thereof.
“As a special summit of EU leaders is about to take place in Bratislava this very September, the main topic of our meeting will be the future of the European Union. There are some fundamental issues to be clarified: where Europe is going; which are the values we want to hold and protect; and the choices to be made for the sake of a strong and functioning Union,” said Taavi Rõivas. “Therefore Brexit, European security, and the situation in the neighbourhood of the European Union will be in the focus too.”
Lately, Taavi Rõivas has met with Angela Merkel and invited the Chancellor to visit Estonia on several occasions. Most recently, he extended an offer for her to visit in May this year while participating in a meeting of the German government in Meseberg following a personal invitation of Merkel. At the meeting, the Prime Minister presented a report on the modern state and cyber security, highlighting the Estonian e-government and the nation’s experience in and organisation of cyber security.
In January this year, Prime Minister Rõivas met with Chancellor Merkel at Wildbad Kreuth near Munich, where they discussed issues related to European security and Rõivas expressed appreciation to Merkel for her leading role in solving the crises in Europe.
Programme
German chancellor Angela Merkel will meet with Prime Minister Rõivas at Stenbock House today at 3:45 p.m.; a joint press conference will follow at 4:45 p.m.
After the press conference, Prime Minister Rõivas and Chancellor Merkel will visit Toomkirik (the Dome Church) in Tallinn. The church is famous for its display of the coat of arms epitaphs of the members of the Knighthood. Three letters by Martin Luther, addressed to the town council of Tallinn, concerning sending Lutheran preachers to Tallinn, will be displayed in the Dome Church by the Tallinn City Archives.
Merkel and Rõivas will also visit the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn where Germany is one of the founding members and biggest contributors.
Tomorrow, Chancellor Merkel will meet with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.
On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also visit the e-Estonia Showroom and deliver the speech “Estonia – a pioneer in digital technology – and Germany – a global industrial power – shaping the future of Europe together” in the SpaceX Event Centre. Prime Minister Rõivas will also give Chancellor Merkel an e-Resident ID-card.
Photos of previous meetings of Taavi Rõivas and German Chancellor Angela Merkel: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ridn4sadzjjiy17/AABqzQPB5y-GdXPnPH98TylDa?dl=0