World Conference of Speakers of Parliament focuses on cooperation for peace

Kivimägi wishes to tell his colleagues that democratic countries must stand united for democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law. He will underline that, among other things, unity means setting common European values higher than national and regional interests.

“Russia’s goal has not changed – it wants Ukraine, but not only. Russia wants to change European security structure, interfere in the elections in other countries, in order to divide Europe. Our priority is security and strengthening the position of Ukraine. This calls for an increase in defence spending and greater military support for Ukraine. Europe, including Spain, has to change its way of thinking, has to make hard but necessary choices for the security of Europe,” Kivimägi says. “If European democracies stand together, we are invincible.”

Today, Kivimägi will also have a meeting with Antonijo Miloshoski, the Vice President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia. They will discuss bilateral relations, cooperation in NATO and North Macedonia’s aspirations to join the European Union.

Tomorrow’s debates will focus on innovating for a peaceful future, achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030, the role for parliaments in shaping our digital future, and fight against discrimination. On Thursday, an interactive debate on global governance will be held, and it is also planned to adopt the final declaration of the Conference.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the oldest and largest global organisation of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 and has 181 member states from the entire world. Estonia was a member of the Union between 1921–1940, and restored its membership after regaining its independence in 1991.

The IPU has been organising the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament every five years since 2000.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
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Link uudisele: World Conference of Speakers of Parliament focuses on cooperation for peace

Source: Parliament of Estonia