Mr. Jiang Zhenghua recognised Estonia as being China’s most important export partner in the Baltic States. Due to it being a rapidly developing economic region and a successful member of the EU and NATO, China is interested in developing close co-operation ties with Estonia. China mentioned information technology as being one of the most important spheres of co-operation; military co-operation foresees the exchange of both students and lecturers in the future. In addition, China has taken an interest in the experience that Estonia has gained with regard to participation in international peace support operations, in which to date, China has been participating solely under the leadership of the UN.
China thanked Estonia for its commitment to the “One-China Policy”, and Mr. Ligi stressed Estonia’s position of resolving all disputes with neighbouring countries in a peaceful manner. Upon discussing the issue of North Korea, Mr. Ligi confirmed that Estonia is categorically against the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, a position with which China is also in agreement.
At both meetings, it was stated that the scope of the countries’ co-operation is irrelevant in comparison with the quality of the co-operation, which will be determined in the near future.
Mr. Jürgen Ligi will also visit China´s National Guard Division and a naval base in Shanghai during his stay in the People’s Republic of China.
The Minister will depart China and arrive back in Estonia on Sunday afternoon.
Pictures: Mr. Jürgen Ligi and Mr. Cao Cagchuan, the Estonian and Chinese Defence Ministers, respectively.