Today 2 May, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets met with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Defence Minister Benny Gantz. The meetings focused on the changed security situation in Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, bilateral relations and regional security in the Middle East.
At her meeting with Foreign Minister Lapid, Foreign Minister Liimets emphasised that to end Russia’s war, it was crucial to make sure their aggressive plans end in both military and political failure, and to continue offering Ukraine every assistance. “Repelling Russia’s aggression and forcing it back to its borders is in the interests of the entire democratic world. This war must end up as a painful strategic mistake for a long time for Russia, so that the invasion of the territories of sovereign states and the killing of peaceful people is not repeated,” Liimets said.
Speaking of the good bilateral relations of Estonia and Israel when meeting the foreign minister and the defence minister, Liimets highlighted our wish to develop our cyber and digital cooperation further. “We can see great potential for sharing our experiences and lessons with each other. Israel is a key state for Estonia in cybersecurity and we already have an active dialogue on this topic,” the Estonian foreign minister said. Liimets added that advancing defence cooperation between the two states was also important.
Speaking about the security situation and peace process of the Middle East at her meetings with the foreign minister and the defence minister, Liimets emphasised the need for regional stability.
During her visit, the Estonian foreign minister will also meet with National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata and Chairman of the Estonia-Israel parliamentary group Simon Davidson.
Today, Minister Liimets placed a wreath on the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. Tomorrow, the foreign minister will visit the Gaza line of contact.
Photos from the visit (the gallery is being updated)
Additional information:
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