Today, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser was in Riyadh to meet with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel Al-Jubeir and speak about opportunities to strengthen relations between Estonia and Saudi Arabia and discuss the situation in the region.
“Relations between Estonia and Saudi Arabia are good but have remained on a modest level so far. During this visit we both identified different areas where the two countries can strengthen relations,” Mikser said. “A number of Estonian companies already operate in Saudi Arabia, but interest in the country and the region as a whole could be significantly greater,“ Mikser added. The foreign ministers agreed that political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs should take place on a regular basis. Mikser welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Estonia.
Adel Al-Jubeir confirmed that Saudi Arabia is interested in technological innovation and economic diversification. “Estonia as an innovative country can share its expertise on e-governance,” Mikser noted. Another topic discussed was cyber security.
The foreign ministers also talked about the situation in the region, including in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iraq and the Sahel region. “Stability and peace in the Middle East is a major objective for the region, Europe and the whole world,” Mikser emphasised. “Whether it is the Syrian conflict or the Middle East peace process, a lasting political solution must be sought,” he added.
The decision of the US to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal was also discussed at the meeting. Both foreign ministers agreed that the impact of this decision needs to be analysed and much depends on Iran’s future activities. “What is important is to make sure not to lose sight of the main goal of the diplomatic efforts made so far - an Iran free of nuclear weapons,” Mikser said.
Foreign Minister Mikser also introduced Estonian campaign to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2020-2021.
Today’s visit was the first of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia to Saudi Arabia.
Photographs: flic.kr/s/aHsmbuysbW
Additional information:
Sandra Kamilova
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Communication Department
56675362
[email protected]
