NEWS

Radev and Estonia's Foreign Minister Discuss Bilateral Partnership, Security and Stability in Europe

At a meeting today, Head of State Rumen Radev and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna discussed the opportunities for deepening the bilateral partnership and ensuring security and stability in Europe. The two underlined the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and Estonia, including the partnership within international organisations and initiatives. Emphasis was laid on the mutual interest in further deepening bilateral cooperation in high technology, digitalisation, transport connectivity, energy and educational exchange.

The Head of State expressed this country's interest in Estonia's experience in building e-government, an area in which the Baltic state has significant achievements. Minister Tsahkna underlined the strong trust of Estonian citizens in e-government and noted that it is the key to the country's rapid modernisation and successful curbing of corruption. In the last parliamentary elections in March 2023, more than 50% of ballots in Estonia were cast online and this is a sign of citizens' confidence in the security of the electoral process, Tsahkna noted.

The risks to regional security and stability stemming from the Russian Federation's ongoing war against Ukraine, whose spill-over effects are impacting the economic and social systems of European countries, were noted. President Radev expressed hope that a way could be found as soon as possible through diplomacy to end the war in a way that would ensure respect for the principles of international law. The two agreed that strengthening and expanding regional transport and energy connectivity is key to addressing the disrupted commodity and energy resources supply chains.