Saudi Arabia and Estonia working to develop political, economic coordination, says foreign minister

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. (SPA)
Short Url

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Wednesday that a deal signed with Estonia on political consultations with the Kingdom would boost coordination and cooperation between the two countries.

He said that the countries were working to develop cooperation in many fields, explore opportunities for economic, cultural and technical cooperation, increase trade and investment opportunities and promote innovation, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry reported in a statement.

During a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, Prince Faisal said that the value of bilateral trade between the two countries last year amounted to $72 million, and exports from the Kingdom amounted to $21 million, while imports from Estonia amounted to $51 million.

He added that his country was looking forward to more economic growth between both countries.

The discussion session with his Estonian counterpart covered many issues, including common challenges, the war in the Gaza Strip, and ways to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by finding a sustainable, peaceful solution.

Prince Faisal praised Estonia’s vote in favor of the UN General Assembly’s resolution on Palestine’s membership of the world body, noting that “this step is important in keeping hope alive for a two-state solution,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Saudi minister held talks with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, where he conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the government and people of Estonia, and their wishes for further progress and prosperity.

The two sides reviewed existing cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop it, as well as regional and international developments.

During his earlier meeting with Tsahkna, Prince Faisal discussed ways to boost bilateral relations and the two sides “signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to take joint relations toward broader horizons,” the ministry said.

The meetings were attended by the Kingdom’s non-resident ambassador to Estonia, Nesreen Alshebel, and Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.