Ministry of Internal Affairs to sign cooperation agreement with University of Tartu

Press release no. 173

On Thursday, November 16, Minister for Regional Affairs Jaan Õunapuu and Minister of Internal Affairs Kalle Laanet will sign an agreement of cooperation with Professor Jaak Aaviksoo, Rector of the University of Tartu. The goal of the agreement is to use the proficiency of the university when developing regional and internal security policies.

"Education and science are the foundation of innovative thinking and development. When making subsequent decisions, we shall have to take scientific arguments into greater consideration. That is why the Ministry of Internal Affairs has begun cooperation with the University of Tartu," said Minister for Regional Affairs Jaan Õunapuu, adding that cooperation with the university will help with finding scientifically justified solutions to regional development problems.

"Scientific studies and public surveys are the basis for internal security planning. The University of Tartu will be one of our partners in scientific studies and assessments," said Minister of Internal Affairs Kalle Laanet.

According to Professor Jaak Aaviksoo, Rector of the University of Tartu, one of the key issues of Estonia's development is efficient use of the available human resources and top proficiency when planning the development of different regions, to facilitate the thriving of the Estonian state on the whole. "I am delighted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs intends to expand the involvement of the university scientists and knowledge in the matters of developing both regional and internal security policies - this should serve as inspiration for other state agencies as well," added Aaviksoo.

The agreement will be concluded to develop and intensify the cooperation between the University of Tartu and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the sphere of internal security and regional development surveys and consultations and for in-service training and education of officials from the ministry and its area of government.

The agreement also stipulates that the ministry shall encourage student practice in its administrative sphere and take into account in its regional development activities the opportunities of the university, its colleges and regional development centres.

Dear journalists,

You are invited to the signing of the agreement to be held tomorrow, November 16, at 3.00 pm in the large hall on the IV floor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Pikk Street 61).