President Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia (left) and President Moon Jae-in discuss cooperation between the two countries during their bilateral meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on Feb. 6. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Kim Tae Won and Kim Young Shin 

President Moon Jae-in held a meeting with President Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia who is on a visit to Korea to attend the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The two discussed cooperation between Seoul and Tallinn on the Olympics and on North Korean issues. 

President Moon wished for an outstanding performance for the 20 or so Estonian athletes participating in the PyeongChang Olympics, and emphasized Korea’s endeavors to make the Games “Olympics of Peace,” saying, “As athletes from the North are participating in the PyeongChang Olympics, I hope the relationship between South and North Korea can be improved and help to solve nuclear weapons issues peacefully.” 

President Kaljulaid commented on the Korean government’s dedication to bringing peace to the region through the Winter Games, and said, “I hope the peaceful atmosphere continues after the PyeongChang Olympics.” 

The two leaders also emphasized strengthening ties in the digital sector. 

“Estonia is the first country in the world to introduce e-Residency and i-Voting systems,” said President Moon. “Korea has strengths in the IT sector, too,” said the president, expressing his hope to further develop cooperation between the two countries in terms of IT and the digital sector. 

Finally, President Kaljulaid said that she hopes to boost cooperation with Korea, saying, “It would be very helpful for Koreans to enter the European IT industry by first testing their services in Estonia.” 

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