Stenbock House, 26 April 2017 - Prime Minister Jüri Ratas met with Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis Quecedo. The meeting focused on bilateral relations between Estonia and Spain, the future of the European Union, including Estonia’s EU presidency, and defence cooperation within NATO.
Prime Minister Ratas said that the relations between Estonia and Spain are excellent, particularly in the fields of culture and economy. According to the Prime Minister, the postures of both Estonia and Spain are close and cooperation between the two countries is smooth, including in the contexts of the EU and NATO
With regard to the future of Europe, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity and determination, including during and after the process of the UK’s departure from the EU, in order to avoid the emergence of new dividing lines in Europe.
Prime Minister Ratas also presented Estonia’s priorities for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to Foreign Minister Dastis. “We are going to focus on the development of an innovative, safe, digital, and inclusive Europe,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister and the Spanish Foreign Minister also discussed Europe’s security, EU-NATO cooperation, and structured cooperation in defence matters. Additionally, Prime Minister Ratas welcomed the Spanish personnel taking over the NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission at the Ämari airbase. Prime Minister Ratas added that this was a clear sign of solidarity. “Just as Spain contributes to the security of Estonia, NATO, and the EU, Estonia does its part to fight the security threats facing Europe, both within and outside NATO and the EU, including, for instance, in Lebanon and Mali,” said Prime Minister, adding that Estonia, in cooperation with Spain, was preparing to contribute further to EUNAVFOR Med Operation Sophia.
Photos (Jürgen Randma): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x3d5bjupz77a7ox/AABkBZYgSzGLpsKqyN-6hJjXa?dl=0