Maasikas asks govt about persistence of Estonia's foreign policy course

TALLINN - Deputy secretary general of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Matti Maasikas asked Prime Minister Juri Ratas and Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu on social media whether, considering the recent words of Interior Minister Mart Helme, Estonia's foreign policy course is the same as during previous governments.

"A member of the government of the republic is comparing the European Union to the Soviet Union. Our diplomats are finding it increasingly difficult to say that policy has not changed," Maasikas said on Twitter while tagging Ratas and Reinsalu in the tweet.

Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) leader and Interior Minister Mart Helme on Tuesday congratulated Boris Johnson on being elected leader of the Conservative Party and emerging as the next prime minister of the United Kingdom.

"The people of Estonia remember the difficulties that had to be overcome in order to leave a union we never wanted to be a member of. We were also prepared to endure hardships and setbacks. Choosing one's own path never comes without having to pay a price. I wish you strength and determination in the challenges facing you. I will always be ready to share the experience that Eastern Europe has to offer in restoring its sovereignty," Helme said in a letter sent to Johnson.

In August, Maasikas is to start work as head of the European Union representation in Ukraine.