During the meeting, Tsahkna told Safadi that despite the geographical distance, Estonia and Jordan have much in common. “We are both small states in geopolitically complex neighbourhoods, and I see many opportunities for even closer cooperation.”
“Like Estonia, Jordan has taken a clear position regarding Russia’s aggression and the importance of respecting states’ sovereignty,” Tsahkna said. “We must work together to restore a just peace and international law.”
Discussing Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine, Tsahkna provided his Jordanian colleague with an overview of Estonia’s contribution to supporting Ukraine. “Through its war, Russia continues its blatant violation of international law and disregards its neighbour Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Tsahkna said. “I explained that our response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will determine not only Estonia’s security, but that of the entire world, because Putin will not stop at Ukraine.”
Tsahkna introduced Safadi to the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Tallinn next year and expressed hope that Jordan would also be able to participate.
Discussing the situation in the Middle East, Tsahkna said that efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz must continue, as the crisis has global consequences similar to those of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“At the invitation of the United Kingdom, Estonia is participating in discussions on diplomatic measures to safeguard freedom of navigation, as well as in UK- and French-led discussions on possible military measures. We will continue discussions with both our European partners and the United States regarding Estonia’s possible contribution,” Tsahkna said.
Discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Tsahkna commended Jordan for its contribution to alleviating the humanitarian crisis and stressed that implementation of the Gaza peace plan must move forward and that obstructing the movement of humanitarian aid is unjustifiable. Earlier this week, EU foreign ministers also agreed on additional sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank and members of the terrorist organisation Hamas. “It is in everyone’s interest to find a swift and lasting solution to the crisis in the Middle East,” Tsahkna said.
Tomorrow, Safadi will meet Estonian entrepreneurs in Tallinn to explore opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between Estonia and Jordan.
Earlier this morning in Tallinn, Tsahkna met Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who is participating in the Lennart Meri Conference, and thanked her for close cooperation in ensuring regional security, providing comprehensive support to Ukraine and increasing the cost of aggression for Russia. Tsahkna also met Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro. Their meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the digital and cyber fields, maritime security and Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine.
The foreign minister confirmed to his Philippine counterpart Estonia’s readiness to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which would further strengthen Estonia’s relations in the region.
At another meeting held on the margins of the conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Tsahkna discussed close bilateral relations between Estonia and Moldova, European integration and regional security. Tsahkna stressed that the visit was long-awaited and highly symbolic and thanked Sandu for participating in the Lennart Meri Conference. “For more than 20 years, Estonia has regarded Moldova as a priority partner in development cooperation and continues to support the country in the fields of resilience, cybersecurity, crisis management, education, entrepreneurship and European Union integration,” Tsahkna said.
Tsahkna reaffirmed Estonia’s full support for Moldova’s accession to the European Union and commended Moldova’s rapid progress with reforms and its ambition to join the EU by 2030. The minister also stressed the need to open all accession negotiation clusters for both Moldova and Ukraine without delay. The meeting also addressed regional security, including countering Russia’s hybrid activities, supporting Moldova’s territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria. “Europe’s future must not depend on resolving the Transnistria issue,” Tsahkna said.
Today at 4.30 p.m., Tsahkna will speak at the Lennart Meri Conference in the discussion “Ukraine’s Strategic Place: From Frontline to Foundation” and will also meet
Chair of the German Bundestag Defence Committee Thomas Röwekamp.
