At the meeting, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that she acknowledged the decisive action and leading role of the Swedish government in making the decision to join NATO. “Accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO will increase the security of us all,” said Kallas. Kallas added that the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO is an opportunity to open new doors in defence cooperation between Estonia and Sweden.
Prime Minister Kallas discussed with the Swedish Prime Minister support for Ukraine and further ways to stop the Kremlin’s war machine. “We must not make the same mistakes we have made many times before. If we fail to stop the aggressor, he will think aggression pays off and all the horrors of war will happen again,” said Kallas.
“We must refrain from premature peace in Ukraine. Concluding a peace deal at all costs is dangerous; it must take place at the request and on the terms of Ukraine,” Kallas explained. Ukraine continues to need our military support as a matter of priority in order to fight the aggressor and liberate its territory.
Kallas also noted that Ukraine is fighting for European values and its place in Europe. “We must give Ukraine real hope of becoming an EU candidate country. Ukraine should have a chance to prove itself in this area – just as they have already proved their courage on the battlefield,” said Kallas.
Prime Minister Kallas emphasised that she is committed to working for deeper integration of the entire Baltic Sea region and that the digital and green transitions have much to offer in this area. “Yesterday, I was in Gothenburg with a business delegation. It was a long-planned visit focussing on sustainable development and green technologies. The Estonian delegation of companies that visited Sweden is interested in establishing cooperation in these areas,” said Kallas.
The prime ministers also discussed energy and climate issues. According to Prime Minister Kallas, Estonia hopes for active cooperation from Sweden in the development of the Baltic Sea grid. “We are also working closely with Sweden on climate issues and achieving the climate goals of the European Union. It is important for forest-rich countries like Estonia and Sweden to find a viable solution in the climate negotiations.”
Prime Minister Kallas also took part in a public discussion at the Folk och Försvar think tank in Stockholm today, which focused on security issues in the Baltic Sea region. The prime minister also attended a business lunch with the heads of large Swedish companies and development centres.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720299208085
