An informal videoconference of the development ministers of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council was held today. The meeting included discussions on the cooperation between the European Union and Africa and the sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, an overview of the negotiations on the partnership with African, Caribbean and Pacific states and a discussion on the situation in Belarus with a focus on development cooperation. Estonia was represented by Andres Rundu, the Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs.
Estonia supports a cooperation between the European Union and Africa that is based on shared values and interests, with cooperation under Team Europe on the green transition and digital transformation holding particular importance. According to Undersecretary Andres Rundu, further cooperation will centre on innovation and digitalisation. “Under Team Europe, Estonia is supporting cohesive cooperation to ensure that the support we offer to our partner countries in Africa is as effective as possible. Estonia plans to hold a joint African-European hackathon to come up with innovative solutions for mitigating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” Rundu said.
Support for Belarus was also discussed at the meeting. “Last week, we announced our decision to allocate funds in support of the civil society and free press in Belarus. We consider it crucial to support victims of violence in Belarus and wish to cooperate with other Nordic countries and Baltic States on this issue,” Rundu said.
With regard to the negotiations on the new partnership between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific states, Estonia continues to support the efforts of the European Commission to conclude a modern and solid partnership agreement that is based on common interests.
Photo: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmR5c6ah
Additional information:
Mari Krusten
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]
637 7618