Estonia and Latvia: steadfast allies

I recently made my first visit to Estonia and Latvia as Europe Minister. During the visits I was pleased to meet the Foreign Ministers of both countries and discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and international interests, on many of which we share similar views.

In Estonia I met Members of Parliament, opinion formers and local business leaders. I visited the Estonian Eastern Partnership Centre and gave support to its excellent work in supporting governance in Europe’s Eastern neighbourhood. I also made a speech on “The UK and Estonia – Steadfast Allies and Champions of Growth” which outlined the importance of our bilateral relationship and the need for action across Europe to promote economic growth and competitiveness.

European growth and competitiveness was also the main theme of my visit to Latvia. I discussed NATO, Afghanistan and other security issues, as well as our bilateral trade and investment. I visited their Parliament to develop links with colleagues in Westminster. I also participated in round table discussion on Europe where we discussed the importance of the EU keeping its doors open to eastern neighbours that share its values would like to join.

What struck me most about my visit, aside from the remarkable closeness of our thinking, and the historical strength of our partnerships with Estonia and Latvia since they achieved independence in 1918, was:

• the importance of NATO to the Estonians and Latvians, and the value they attach to our bilateral defence/security partnership, including what we are doing together with Estonia in Helmand in Afghanistan, but also looking towards co-operation in the future, including our work with Latvia on the Northern Distribution Network;
• the scale of what has been achieved by Estonia in e-governance, which offers valuable lessons for the UK, and which I am pleased will be followed up very soon through a visit by Francis Maude; and
• the strength and vibrancy of the Estonian Information Technology sector, together with their keenness to do business in this area with Brits.

The visit demonstrated the value of bilateral relations. The Baltic States are quickly developing a well-earned reputation for a businesslike, competent can-do approach, and are widening and deepening our engagement with them across the board.