ForMin introduces Estonia's Africa strategy

TALLINN - The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was scheduled to introduce Estonia's Africa strategy for 2020-2030 at a virtual event on Tuesday with participation of President Kersti Kaljulaid.

"The size of the African continent and the diversity of states requires a well thought-out and comprehensive approach from Estonia. As a small state, the key to Estonia's success is innovation and openness to cooperation. The strategy creates a good basis for cooperation with African states in a variety of areas; Estonia's greatest added value is supporting its cooperation partners in carrying out a digital and green turnaround," Jonatan Vseviov, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.

The event aimed to give an overview of the areas and action plan in Estonia's Africa strategy for 2021-2025. A panel discussion was also scheduled to be held with the participation of the president focusing on ways for creating a stronger partnership with African states based on Estonia's experience and cooperation thus far. Participants in the discussion also included commander of the Estonian defense forces, Maj. Gen. Martin Herem, member of the management board of MTU Mondo Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar, co-founder of transport company Bolt martin Villig and CEO of the Cybernetica company Oliver Vaartnou.

The creation of Estonia's Africa strategy was prompted by a growing need to place a greater focus in Estonia's foreign policy on African states and to create partnership-based relations with them, spokespeople for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. In addition, African states' interest in Estonia's knowledge and experience regarding the e-state, too, has grown. The drafting process of the strategy ran from January to December 2020 and included ministries, authorities, entrepreneurs, higher education institutions and representatives of the civil society organizations.

Estonia's Africa strategy is based on the development plan for Estonia's foreign policy until 2030 and on the development cooperation and humanitarian aid program for 2020-2030. The strategy covers foreign and security policy, economic relations and business diplomacy, development cooperation and humanitarian aid as well as Estonians abroad and consular assistance.