Estonia: Põlluaas and Vatican Foreign Minister acknowledged the mutual relations between Estonia and the Holy See

NordenBladet — At the meeting of President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas and Secretary for Relations with States of the Vatican, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher today, general humanitarian and ethical issues and situation in the tension zones of the world were discussed.

At the meeting with Archbishop Gallagher, Põlluaas expressed his pleasure over the excellent relations between Estonia and the Vatican that were proven by the high-level visits that had taken place over the years.

“We are thankful to the Holy See for recognising the new independent Republic of Estonia for the first time on 10 November 1921, and after the restoration of Estonia’s independence on 28 August 1991. We highly appreciate the position of the Holy See regarding its non-recognition of the annexation of Estonia by the Soviet Union,” Põlluaas said. He thanked the Vatican for the attention Pope Francis had given Estonia with his visit on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of our country. “It is a special pleasure to highlight Vatican’s support to the Republic of Estonia just now, when we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty.”

Vatican considers the protection of Christians and Christian values in different regions of the world especially important. At the meeting, a lively discussion was held on keeping and protecting Christian and ethical values in the mutual relations between states. Besides that, the situation in Europe and the tension zones of the world, where it was necessary to ensure the protection of people and humanitarian aid, was spoken about.

The issues of climate change, resolution of humanitarian crises and helping persons in need were also discussed.

The meeting with the Secretary for Relations with States was attended by member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Keit Pentus-Rosimannus and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Petar Rajic.

Source: Parliament of Estonia