On 15 June, the presidents of the two chambers of parliament, Andreas Aebi (SVP/BE) and Alex Kuprecht (SVP/SZ), welcomed the president of the Estonian parliament, Jüri Ratas, on an official visit to Bern. Discussions at the meeting focused on cooperation between the two countries in the areas of cyber security and e-governance, the future of relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU), and the political and security situation with Estonia's neighbouring countries, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

In response to an invitation extended during a visit to Tallinn last October, the president of the Estonian parliament visited Switzerland on 15 June.

In their official meeting, Andreas Aebi (president of the National Council) and Jüri Ratas emphasised their countries’ excellent bilateral relations and jointly welcomed the 100th anniversary of Switzerland's recognition of Estonia's independence. Mr Aebi also highlighted the close cooperation and successful projects implemented between the two countries under the first Swiss contribution to EU enlargement. He added that Switzerland's second contribution would also be an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations.

Mr Ratas announced that the airline Swiss will be opening a direct route between Zurich and Tallinn in July, and this will promote economic and trade links between the two countries. He also welcomed Switzerland's official membership of NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, based in Tallinn, mentioning that Swiss experts will soon be seconded to the centre to contribute actively to its activities.

The president of the Estonian parliament also met the state secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Livia Leu, to discuss the Swiss government's decision to end negotiations with the EU on the framework agreement. The Estonian delegation expressed its support for continuing discussions between Switzerland and the EU in order to find a mutually beneficial agreement. Mr Aebi, for his part, stressed the importance of having some certainty concerning Swiss–EU relations going forward, an issue that had been debated in the National Council that very morning following the tabling of seven urgent interpellations.

The Estonian delegation also met the Federal Chancellery’s Digital Transformation and IT Steering sector, which presented Switzerland’s digital strategy. Mr Ratas explained why e-Estonia has enjoyed such success and expressed the wish to see closer cooperation between Switzerland and Estonia in the field of e-governance. The two countries have maintained ties in this field since 2017. Estonia is indeed a pioneer in e-government, having begun investing in digital solutions over 20 years ago. It is the only country in the world where 99% of public services are available online.

 The president of the National Council, Andreas Aebi (SVP/BE), welcoming the president of the parliament of the Republic of Estonia, Jüri Ratas, in front of the statue of the Three Confederates.

Exchange of gifts between the president of the National Council, Andreas Aebi, (SVP/BE) and the president of the parliament of the Republic of Estonia, Jüri Ratas.

The president of the parliament of the Republic of Estonia, Jüri Ratas, at his meeting with the state secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Livia Leu.
The president of the parliament of the Republic of Estonia, Jüri Ratas, takes a photo of the Swiss and Estonian flags flying in front of the Federal Palace.