Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin discussed Estonia-Ukraine relations, the situation in Eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian reform process, integration with the European Union and cooperation in international organisations.
Kaljurand confirmed to Klimkin that the annexation of Crimea and current situation in Eastern Ukraine is not acceptable. “Estonia will continue to not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea, both independently and as a member of the European Union,” the Foreign Minister said. According to her, the situation in Eastern Ukraine is more than worrying. “At the moment, the first priority is to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine and ensure OSCE observers access to the entire territory,” Kaljurand emphasised. She confirmed that Ukraine remains firmly at the centre of the European Union’s attention.
According to the Foreign Minister, relations between Estonia and Ukraine, as well as cooperation between the two countries, is very good. Kaljurand has stated that it is very important that Ukraine move forward with reforms. “Estonia supports Ukraine in the implementation of reforms, both on a political level and in development cooperation, and we will continue to do so in the future,” Kaljurand said. This year, Estonia has allocated 2.2 million euros to assist Ukraine in the framework of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister thanked Estonia for its support on the path to European integration.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed ongoing NATO-Ukraine cooperation in the framework of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which has been intense on a political, as well as practical level. On the topic of Estonia-Ukraine defence cooperation, Kaljurand mentioned Estonia’s contribution to the strengthening of Ukraine's cyber security capacity, the sharing of experience in organising voluntary national defence and participation in joint training.
Kaljurand confirmed that sanctions against Russia will be extended. “The sanctions are linked to the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and execution of the Minsk agreements. Today, unfortunately, a solution does not seem to be within arm’s reach. I am confident that Europe will continue to stay united in regards to this issue,” Kaljurand emphasised.
The Foreign Minister expressed her satisfaction that Ukraine has fulfilled all the conditions for achieving visa-free travel with the European Union. “Now it is time for the European Union to fulfil the commitments it has made,” the Foreign Minister confirmed to her colleague.
Kaljurand was very pleased about the return of Ukrainian Member of Parliament and pilot Nadiya Savchenko. “We are extremely pleased that Nadija is back home and feels safe,” the Foreign Minister said.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157669074963691
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