NordenBladet —
At the meeting with the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hussar acknowledged the excellent relations between Estonia and Israel, and noted that the opening of the Embassy of Israel in Tallinn would contribute to their further development. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the development of digital governance and in the field of defence. “Small countries must defend themselves, and we share a common understanding of how important it is to support each other,” he said.
In addition to cooperation between Estonia and Israel, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East were discussed. The meeting of the Israeli Foreign Minister with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group also focused on those topics.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson pointed out that there was a strong consensus in the Riigikogu on foreign and security policy, including Estonian-Israeli relations, as demonstrated by statements made by the plenary assembly, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Parliamentary Friendship Group.
According to Mihkelson, both countries are currently facing existential threats, and therefore security cooperation is of particular importance. He said that Russia’s continuing war of aggression in Ukraine was directly linked to the security situation elsewhere in the world, including the Middle East. “The growth of instability in one corner of the world directly affects the situation here, and vice versa. This is why it is necessary for us, as democratic countries, to work closely together,” he added.
Mihkelson also emphasised that the opening of the Embassy of Israel was a historic moment in bilateral relations. “For a small country like Estonia, it is important that our friends, allies, and partners are represented here,” Mihkelson said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel also had meetings with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna and Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur today, and opened the Embassy of Israel in Tallinn.
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee
Link uudisele: Hussar: Opening Embassy in Tallinn gives new impetus to cooperation between Estonia and Israel
Source: Parliament of Estonia