Finland's relationship with Estonia will further be strengthened once Finland also becomes a member of Nato, according to Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP).
Marin made the statement at a joint press conference with Estonian PM Kaja Kallas on Tuesday afternoon, as the leaders attended a seminar about cooperation between the two countries.
Held at the House of the Estates in Helsinki, the seminar delved into themes contained in a report on practical cooperation between Finland and Estonia. The report, published in March, included recommendations about developing cooperation in matters like the economy, the green transition, digital cooperation, culture and education.
"We have experience, historically, with how Finns and Estonians have come to aid each other in wartime, but plans for cooperation in a similar situation today could be much clearer," Kallas said.
Marin said that Europe's dependence on energy sources from Russia could be reduced by strengthening shared energy networks in the region.
More than just neighbours
Marin and Kallas also held a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, addressing topics including Russia's invasion of Ukraine — as well as their shared support of Ukraine, the security situation, Finland's and Sweden's Nato membership bid, energy-related topics, the economy and EU affairs.
The report noted that Finland and Estonia are more than just neighbours — as their languages and cultures help to connect the countries.
Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto (Green) and his Estonian counterpart, Urmas Reinsalu, were also scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss topics including bilateral relations and the European security situation, according to the statement.
Various ministers from both countries also attended the event.
