Foreign Minister Sven Mikser was on a visit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he met with representatives of African countries to discuss cooperation, including collaboration in international organisations and in the field of e-governance, and to prepare for the EU-Africa Summit taking place during the Estonian Presidency.
“Both diplomatic and economic relations between Estonia and African countries have intensified during the last five years. I see that above all, Estonia can share experience and knowledge in the IT field. Africa as a fast-developing economic area could be of interest to the Estonian business community,” Mikser said.
At a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Workneh Gebeyehu, the focal point of discussion was the EU-Africa Summit taking place during the Estonian Presidency. Foreign Ministers discussed what should be central to the summit and in which fields e-solutions could help. “One of the topics of the meeting were young people and youth employment and how IT has an important role in this issue: e-state and e-services help make governance and society more efficient,” Mikser said.
Also, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser introduced Estonia’s intention to apply for a non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. “The Council’s work has to be transparent, inclusive and bear responsibility for all UN Member States,” Mikser said. “Prevention needs more attention: it is the most economical and reliable way to avoid conflicts,” Mikser emphasised.
In addition, Mikser met with the Foreign Minister of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Foreign Minister of Mali Abdoulaye Diop and the Foreign Minister of Zambia Harry Kalabaga. He also participated in a pre-meeting of the 61st Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women that focuses on women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work. The Foreign Minister plans to hold more meetings with colleagues from African countries today.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157679595484605
Additional information:
Sten Juur
Communication Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(+372) 637 7627
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