“Both the conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine illustrate how closely intertwined security and the economy are across the world,” said Tsahkna.
“The principles of the UN Charter and international law are of invaluable importance to both Estonia and Vietnam. We stood up for them together in 2020–2021, when both countries were elected members of the UN Security Council,” Tsahkna said. “Nowhere are the principles of international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty more seriously under threat than in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”
At the meetings with Vietnam’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Tsahkna gave an overview of Estonia’s activities in supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia to end the war, as well as the broader security situation in Estonia and Europe.
The parties also discussed the situation in the South China Sea and developments in the Middle East, emphasising the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz for both Europe and Asia. There was also an in-depth discussion on deterring the activities of the shadow fleet, which poses a threat to the environment and critical infrastructure worldwide. Cooperation between the European Union and Vietnam, as well as between the EU and ASEAN, was also addressed.
An important part of the visit is opening doors for Estonian companies in Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. The foreign minister is accompanied by a business delegation of 12 companies from sectors including digital services, logistics, robotics, high-tech industrial solutions, and food and beverages.
“Estonian companies can offer innovative solutions to the Vietnamese market, and Estonia can also share its experience in e-governance and cybersecurity,” Tsahkna said at a meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Phan Thi Thang.
In Hanoi, Tsahkna also met the European Union Ambassador to Vietnam, Julien Guerrier.
The foreign minister’s visit will continue in Ho Chi Minh City, where he will meet Estonia’s honorary consuls in the Asia region and host a reception for honorary consuls, the business delegation, local authorities and business representatives.
