Vseviov said Estonia and Iceland have been close allies and friends through time and the current turbulent security situation had further deepened our cooperation. “Iceland has strongly condemned Russia’s aggression, committed to supporting Ukraine and joined the sanctions imposed by EU states to pressure Russia into ending the war. Today we discussed further steps for reinforcing the region’s security, where the implementation of the decisions of NATO’s Madrid summit and achieving energy independence have a key role,” Vseviov said.
The secretary general noted that for Estonia, it was important to make quick progress with reinforcing NATO’s Eastern Flank and the accession process of Finland and Sweden to boost the security of the Baltic Sea region.
Vseviov emphasised that the response to Russia’s escalation through mobilisation, nuclear threats and fraudulent referendums to annex Ukraine’s occupied territory must be united and severe. “We must impose new strong sanctions against Russia, continue isolating the aggressor state internationally and make sure that all organisers of crimes committed in Ukraine, including the leadership of Russia, are held to account,” the secretary general said.
Vseviov noted that at the same time, we must continue offering Ukraine comprehensive military, economic and humanitarian aid to help it win the war. The secretaries general discussed cooperation in reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, where Estonia is focused on rebuilding the Zhytomyr Oblast.
Speaking about bilateral cooperation, the secretaries general also discussed expanding joint activities in digital affairs and cybersecurity, and Vseviov welcomed Iceland joining the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn soon.
Secretary General Eyjólfsson said Iceland and Estonia have accomplished many things in their long-standing and fruitful relations. “History repeatedly shows how small states can have a strong voice and influence on the global level. Our foreign ministers recently reaffirmed in a joint declaration that we stand together in meeting today’s grave security threats and challenges. We share a strong focus on common values, and we must continue to work together to protect them,” Eyjólfsson said.
After political consultations, the secretaries general took part in a panel discussion on the global impact of small states in a complicated period in international affairs, and Vseviov opened a permanent exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to the relations of Estonia and Iceland. “31 years ago, Iceland was the first bold country to recognise the right to exist of the Estonian people and state, and we will never forget this show of support. The fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located at Islandi väljak (Iceland Square) serves as a symbol of that. I am very glad that the permanent exhibition opened today allows us to tell our visitors from near and far about this piece of history that is so important to us,” Vseviov said.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72177720302478723
Additional information:
Communication Department
