Estonia, Czech PMs want to increase cooperation in IT sector

SALZBURG – Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas in Salzburg on Friday met with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, with whom he discussed digital cooperation, and British government leader Theresa May, with whom Ratas discussed Brexit and joint security, the Government Office said.

"Estonia will gladly share its experience in the field of e-governance and successful e-solutions. The development of a digital society and the e-state is definitely worthwhile, as the investments made will earn themselves back in the form of more efficient governance, economic growth and the convenience of people's everyday life," Ratas said.

The Czech government leader expressed interest in Estonia's information and communication technology (ICT) experience and e-governance and extended an invitation to Ratas for a thematic visit to Prague in November along with a business delegation. Ratas and Babis agreed that during the visit planned for November, a business seminar will be held that will focus on the digital society and the development of an e-state.

"We wish to bring together Estonian and Czech entrepreneurs and public sector representatives so that they can share their experience and find new cooperation opportunities," Ratas said.

The Estonian and Czech government leaders also discussed issues concerning migration and the European Union's budget plan for 2021-2027.

Ratas on Friday evening also met with British Prime Minister Theresa May, with whom he discussed the current status of the negotiations concerning the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union as well as topics concerning security. Ratas emphasized that Estonia will have good and close cooperation relations with the United Kingdom in the field of economy, security as well as foreign policy also in the future.