Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna Highlights 'Historic' Visit to Saudi Arabia
Estonian FM Details Landmark Trade Agreement and Deepening Cooperation on Digital Transformation, Green Energy, and Innovation.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has described his visit to Saudi Arabia as ‘historic,’ citing a landmark trade agreement signed with the Kingdom this week.
The General Trade Agreement marks a turning point in bilateral ties between Estonia and Saudi Arabia.
This comprehensive agreement lays the foundation for deeper cooperation in digital government, clean energy, and advanced industries.
The deal has already resulted in Memoranda of Understanding being signed by Estonian company Stargate Hydrogen with Saudi entities including the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and NEOM’s ENOWA to accelerate green hydrogen development.
Tsahkna noted that there is a natural alignment between Estonia’s e-governance expertise and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes rapid digital transformation.
Estonia has been recognized globally as a leader in digital governance with 100% of public services available online and secure platforms such as its X-Road data exchange and e-ID system adopted by over 20 countries.
Estonia's approach to innovation relies heavily on collaboration with the private sector, which Tsahkna believes is crucial for achieving long-term commitments.
In an interview with Arab News, Tsahkna also addressed broader geopolitical issues affecting the Middle East and Europe such as Israel’s airstrike in Qatar and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
He expressed strong condemnation of Israel's attack on Qatar and emphasized Estonia’s consistent support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Estonia will join the declaration on two states during the upcoming UN General Assembly week, with Tsahkna urging that political will is needed to implement real change in the region.
He also noted the importance of Saudi Arabia and France's initiative in promoting a two-state solution.
Tsahkna stressed that despite geographical distance, Estonia and Saudi Arabia share more common challenges than many realize, with both countries committed to values-based cooperation.
He highlighted the potential for educational and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The General Trade Agreement marks a turning point in bilateral ties between Estonia and Saudi Arabia.
This comprehensive agreement lays the foundation for deeper cooperation in digital government, clean energy, and advanced industries.
The deal has already resulted in Memoranda of Understanding being signed by Estonian company Stargate Hydrogen with Saudi entities including the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and NEOM’s ENOWA to accelerate green hydrogen development.
Tsahkna noted that there is a natural alignment between Estonia’s e-governance expertise and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes rapid digital transformation.
Estonia has been recognized globally as a leader in digital governance with 100% of public services available online and secure platforms such as its X-Road data exchange and e-ID system adopted by over 20 countries.
Estonia's approach to innovation relies heavily on collaboration with the private sector, which Tsahkna believes is crucial for achieving long-term commitments.
In an interview with Arab News, Tsahkna also addressed broader geopolitical issues affecting the Middle East and Europe such as Israel’s airstrike in Qatar and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
He expressed strong condemnation of Israel's attack on Qatar and emphasized Estonia’s consistent support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Estonia will join the declaration on two states during the upcoming UN General Assembly week, with Tsahkna urging that political will is needed to implement real change in the region.
He also noted the importance of Saudi Arabia and France's initiative in promoting a two-state solution.
Tsahkna stressed that despite geographical distance, Estonia and Saudi Arabia share more common challenges than many realize, with both countries committed to values-based cooperation.
He highlighted the potential for educational and cultural exchange between the two nations.
