TALLINN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas on Monday pledged continued good relations with Britain on a phone call with his British counterpart Theresa May, who called to wish the new Estonian head of government good luck.
The online Estonian Public Broadcasting quoted an Estonian government spokesperson as reporting that Ratas confirmed to May that good relations and cooperation with Britain were very important to Estonia, and both of them stressed that these would continue following Britain's exit from the European Union.
Ratas also termed the arrival of the British battalion in Estonia next spring as "a very meaningful and important step," inviting May to visit Estonia on the occasion.
Britain will send 800 troops to the Britain-led battalion in Estonia with additional contribution of Denmark and France in plans for a strengthened NATO presence in the eastern part of the alliance.
The Estonian new coalition government of Prime Minister Juri Ratas's Center Party, Pro Patria and Res Publica Union, and the Social Democratic Party took office on Nov. 23 after former prime minister Taavi Roivas' stepdown.
