The meeting on 15 June is an official return visit by Mr Ratas following a meeting in Tallinn last October. Switzerland and Estonia enjoy excellent relations and this year celebrate a double anniversary: 100 years since Switzerland recognised Estonia’s independence and 30 years since bilateral relations resumed.
As part of Switzerland's first EU enlargement contribution, 18 projects designed to reduce economic and social inequalities were successfully implemented in Estonia in the period up to 2017. Many of the projects supported by Switzerland exceeded the expected results and the close cooperation strengthened bilateral relations between the two states. For its part, Switzerland hopes during the meeting with Mr Ratas to gain insights into how digital solutions are applied in parliamentary operations. Estonia is considered a pioneer in eGovernment and has been investing in digital solutions for more than 20 years. It is the only country in which 99 per cent of public services are accessible online. This expertise is also being tapped by the World Health Organization to develop a COVID-19 certificate that will be valid internationally.
A further topic on the parliamentary presidents’ agenda will be European relations with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and Switzerland and Estonia’s relations with the US and China.
Besides his official meeting with Mr Aebi and Mr Kuprecht, Mr Ratas will also hold talks with State Secretary Livia Leu (FDFA), Switzerland’s chief negotiator for negotiations with the European Union.