The Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have concluded a landmark General Agreement for Cooperation, marking a new chapter in relations between the two countries. The agreement paves the way for deeper collaboration in digital government, trade, green energy, and innovation.
The agreement was signed in Riyadh by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Excellency Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.
“This agreement is a milestone for Estonia’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. Estonia is a small nation with a big digital footprint – our solutions are already powering governments and businesses across the world.”
Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
By combining Estonia’s world-renowned expertise in change, innovation and efficiency with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, the agreement aims to deliver tailor-made solutions that serve the needs of citizens, businesses, and institutions in both nations. Areas of cooperation include digital identity, smart city infrastructure, cybersecurity, green energy, and emerging technologies.
Estonia expands Gulf presence with agreement signed in Riyadh
During the meeting, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressed his appreciation for the progress witnessed in the diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, affirming Estonia’s position as a trustworthy partner in innovating future solutions. His Highness added that the signed agreement represents a cornerstone for deepening joint cooperation and strengthening the ties that unite both sides across various fields.
“This agreement is a milestone for Estonia’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. Estonia is a small nation with a big digital footprint – our solutions are already powering governments and businesses across the world. Today we bring this experience to the Kingdom, where Vision 2030 shares our belief in technology as a force for prosperity and sustainability. Together, we are opening doors for our companies to collaborate in sectors that matter for both our economies and our citizens,” added Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.
Signed during the Foreign Minister’s official visit to Riyadh with a senior business delegation, the agreement affirms Estonia’s commitment to long-term partnerships that advance key Gulf growth sectors.
Stargate and Standard expand into the Saudi Arabia market
“This agreement is a significant milestone not only for bilateral relationships but for the business ties in the Gulf region. Our companies see it a sign of trust to grow in scale and ambition,” said Eva-Kristiina Ponomarjov, Director General of Trade Estonia at Enterprise Estonia.
Alongside deepening ties, Estonian companies are formalizing entry into the Kingdom, underscoring an expanding on-the-ground footprint. This includes the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and the opening of a first flagship international showroom during the visit.
Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia signing the agreement. Photo: Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Stargate Hydrogen, an Estonian-born deep-tech and green hydrogen technology developer, signed MoUs with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) and with NEOM/ENOWA to advance green hydrogen technology development and deploy its technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Standard, Estonia’s leading high-quality interior solutions provider focusing on the hotel market, opened its first international showroom in Riyadh, inaugurated by the Foreign Minister.
Estonia strengthens Gulf ties with digital innovation
A founding member of the Digital Nations (D5) network and home to NATO’s Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, Estonia is a global model for secure, interoperable e-governance with 100% of public services online. Its solutions such as the X-Road data exchange and e-ID system have become the globally recognized backbone of digital infrastructure – adopted by more than 20 countries to date.
“This agreement is a significant milestone not only for bilateral relationships but for the business ties in the Gulf region. Our companies see it a sign of trust to grow in scale and ambition.”
Eva-Kristiina Ponomarjov, Director General of Trade Estonia at Enterprise Estonia
Estonian’s digital expertise is already well-known across the Gulf, from its e-Residency programme to digital healthcare systems, making the country a natural partner in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal.
The Estonian business delegation to Riyadh included: Miltton CIO World, Nortal, Stargate Hydrogen Solutions, Helmes, Ridango, Krabu Grupp, DefSecIntel Solutions, Bolt Technology, Maritime X, Bamboo Group, Cybernetica, Auve Tech, Devon Consulting, and 5.0 ROBOTICS.
This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
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