Estonian Minister of the Interior Ken-Marti Vaher to visit Finland

Estonian Minister of the Interior Ken-Marti Vaher will visit Finland on 29 January 2014 as a guest of Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen. During the visit, the Ministers will sign an agreement between Finland and Estonia on cooperation in the field of emergency prevention, preparedness and response. During his stay, Mr Vaher will also visit the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in Helsinki to learn more about its operations.

The primary aim of the agreement to be signed during the visit is to protect people, the environment and property. The agreement includes provisions on the parties’ competent authorities and points of contact, emergency notifications, mutual assistance and joint measures. In addition to immediate operational assistance, the agreement supports other cooperation between the countries in the field of further development of rescue operations. Estonia has been particularly innovative and efficient in improving accident prevention.

This new agreement will replace the previous agreement signed in 1995.

Finland and Estonia have a long history of cooperation in the field of rescue services. When Estonia became independent, Finland provided substantial assistance to Estonia for the reorganisation of its rescue service training and structures. Finland has also assisted Estonia in fighting forest fires.

For further information, please contact
Ms Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 295 488 250 or
Ms Tiina Peltola-Lampi, Director of International Affairs, tel. +358 295 488 444 (questions about the agreement).