According to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Poland is a close strategic ally of Estonia. “They are our close strategic ally both in terms of security as well as economically and in infrastructure projects such as Rail Baltica. We want closer cooperation with Poland on renewable energy, which is why I called on Poland to join the development of the Baltic Sea offshore grid project. We have similar concerns about climate issues, but we agree that the new climate framework must be affordable and realistic for everyone and help make the necessary investments,” said Kallas.
Poland makes a significant contribution to the security of our region through the Baltic air-policing mission and exercises of NATO. “Above all, we expect a message from the NATO Summit in June of a strong, cohesive NATO that adapts to ever-changing security circumstances and focuses on collective defence. NATO should focus first and foremost on securing Allied safety in a situation where Russia remains a major military threat, remain committed to an open-door policy, and reaffirm the NATO–EU Strategic Partnership. We must jointly emphasise the importance of the US military presence in Europe and we value the rotation of US units in our region,” said Kallas.
Kallas also invited Morawieck to Estonia for the digital innovation summit Tallinn Digital Summit 2021 in September. “The key issue will be how to increase the involvement of private capital in large infrastructure projects that meet certain standards, such as transparency, reliability, and the logic of the market economy. We offer a platform for discussion in Tallinn and we hope to pique the interest of the USA and the OECD.”
In addition, Prime Minister Kallas will have bilateral meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in Porto.
On Saturday morning, EU leaders will focus on the Pillar of Social Rights agenda, including discussions on how to ensure an inclusive economic relaunch for all Europeans with a focus on education and skills. The leaders will discuss ways to create jobs and improve the quality of work and to fight poverty and social exclusion. They will also look at ways to support people affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The meeting is scheduled to adopt the Porto Declaration on the importance of the labour market, skills, and social protection for the success of the digital revolution and the green transition.
On Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Kallas will participate in a video meeting of heads of EU countries and institutions with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. It is planned to discuss the strengthening of EU–India cooperation as well as the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister will return to Estonia on Saturday evening.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72157719114377923
