Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said relations between Estonia and Saudi Arabia have entered a new phase, describing his visit to Riyadh with a large business delegation as a turning point that gave fresh momentum to cooperation and set the groundwork for a long-term partnership.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Tsahkna stressed that Estonia views Saudi Arabia as a leading regional power and a driver of change whose influence extends well beyond the Middle East.
He further highlighted the connection between his country’s digital expertise and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, saying that Estonia, recognized as one of the world’s most advanced digital societies, sees the Kingdom’s reform agenda as ambitious and transformative.
With long experience in digital governance, cybersecurity, and green energy, Estonia is seeking to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s modernization, he underlined.
The minister pointed out that the Kingdom has already made strong progress in digitalization. Estonia itself spent over two decades building a fully online government, with 100 percent of public services available digitally, saving the equivalent of 1,400 years of work annually. He said this model could serve as an inspiration as Saudi Arabia advances its own digital transformation under Vision 2030.
Reflecting on his meetings in Riyadh, Tsahkna described the reception and discussions as both warm and highly practical, reinforcing his country’s commitment to deepen ties. He said he would return to Tallinn with a clear message for his government and companies that Saudi Arabia is a long-term partner worth engaging with.
On Saudi Arabia’s global role, he underscored that the Kingdom is not only a leader in markets and business but also a key player in politics and regional stability.
For Estonia, a small northern European state of 1.3 million people, the partnership combines its own innovation and know-how with Saudi Arabia’s political and economic leadership.
Tsahkna also addressed opportunities in cybersecurity, saying Estonia is among the world’s leaders in this sector and is ready to work with Saudi Arabia on comprehensive systems to protect societies as a whole.
He pointed to his country’s use of artificial intelligence in areas such as education, taxation, and the judiciary, which could complement Saudi Arabia’s own ambitious AI strategy.
On renewable energy, he said Estonia is targeting more than 100 percent renewable generation by 2030, a goal aligned with Saudi Arabia’s green energy agenda. Estonian firms are exploring entry into the Saudi market with innovative technologies, while Tallinn welcomes Saudi investment in its own energy sector.
The minister concluded by noting that both countries are preparing to sign a general cooperation agreement that will frame political and economic ties. He stressed that Estonia and Saudi Arabia share core values, including respect for international law and rejection of altering borders by force, making the partnership well-positioned for a promising future.
