Estonia, Finland vow closer ties

The foreign affairs committees of the Estonia and Finland met to discuss plans for closer co-operation. 

The officials discussed the Eastern Partnership, relations with US and Russia, and Middle East conflicts at a meeting on Nov. 13.

"Whichever issue we may examine - whether it concerns the economy, foreign policy or security - it is clear that in the global turbulence and dynamics, Estonia and Finland need to cooperate closely," said MP Marko Mihkelson, who heads the Estonian committee.

With the Vilnius summit just two weeks away now, Mihkelson said: "Everything that is going concerning the Eastern Partnership is of great importance to the development of our region. It is a serious test for the capacity of common European policy as well as for the countries that see their future in greater coordination with European values and standards."

The Finnish committee is chaired by Timo Soini.