In addition to holding talks at head of state and government level, meetings are also set to take place with Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur and the president of the Norwegian parliament, Masud Gharahkhani. The topics for discussion during the presidential visits will include bilateral relations, European policy and security issues, particularly with regard to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Both Estonia and Norway share a border with Russia.

An important element of the excellent relations with Estonia is cooperation within the framework of Switzerland’s contributions to selected EU member states. These contributions are intended as an investment in security, stability and prosperity in Europe. In addition to the political talks, a visit is planned to the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCD COE) in Tallinn. The international centre supports NATO members such as Estonia and other countries, including Switzerland, with training, research and exchanges on cyber defence issues. The centre was set up in 2008 and Switzerland has been participating in its activities since 2020.

President Amherd's official visit to Oslo is testimony to the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Norway. Both countries are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Discussions will focus on bilateral relations and cooperation projects in the field of climate protection, for example, as well as on European policy and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and in particular the Northern European security architecture. On Thursday, 8 February, Ms Amherd will round off her visit to Norway by meeting King Harald V.

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Estonia
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Norway

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