Both sides acknowledged the excellent bilateral relations and discussed the programme to implement the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. In Estonia, CHF 26 million of the Swiss contribution will be used to support projects in the areas of migration/integration and biodiversity. Cooperation under this programme provides an opportunity to further intensify bilateral contacts. Switzerland’s second contribution reflects its role as a reliable partner for peace, security, stability and prosperity in Europe. During the talks, Ms Amherd outlined Switzerland’s next steps in European policy following the Federal Council’s decision on 15 December 2023 to adopt and submit for consultation a draft negotiating mandate with the European Union.
Tuesday’s main topics were the security situation on the continent and, in particular, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Ms Amherd reaffirmed Switzerland’s solidarity with Ukraine and provided information on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming summit on President Zelenskyy’s peace formula. President Amherd stressed the need for a strong commitment from the international community to lay the foundations for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The situation in the Middle East, multilateralism and, in particular, international cooperation in the fight against cyber crime and in cyber defence were also discussed. A visit to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence was also on Ms Amherd’s agenda in Tallinn. The Cyber Defence Centre provides training, research and knowledge sharing on cyber defence issues to NATO members such as Estonia and certain non-NATO countries, including Switzerland. The centre was founded in 2008 and Switzerland has been a contributing participant since 2020.
From Estonia, Ms Amherd will travel to Norway, where she will meet Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on 7 February. A meeting with King Harald V is scheduled for 8 February in Oslo.
Further information:
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Estonia
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