Ambassadors from Sweden, Moldova, Brazil and Israel present letters of credentials to President Karis

President Alar Karis was presented with the letters of credentials of Swedish ambassador Charlotte Wrangberg, Moldovan ambassador Eugen Caras, Brazilian ambassador Rosimar da Silva Suzano and Israeli ambassador Boaz Rodkin in Kadriorg today.

President Karis spoke with the Swedish ambassador on strengthening bilateral relations, primarily in the fields of economic and defence cooperation. “Sweden is an ally to Estonia and one of our key economic partners,” he remarked. “Now that it is a member of NATO, we have the opportunity to bolster both bilateral and regional security cooperation, contributing significantly to stability in our region.” Also discussed were closer economic and business relations, Nordic-Baltic cooperation, continued support for Ukraine and the peace process.

In meeting with the Moldovan ambassador, the Estonian head of state welcomed Moldova’s progress on its path to EU accession, encouraging the country to continue along it. He confirmed Estonia’s willingness to share its experience as well as its support for Moldova’s integration with the union, the reinforcement of defence capabilities and the development of cyber defence and the digital state. He thanked Moldova for supporting Ukraine, stressing that a Ukrainian victory was central to the future of the entire region, and of Europe as a whole.

President Karis spoke with the Brazilian ambassador on boosting bilateral relations, primarily in the fields of cybersecurity, e-governance and cooperation in the areas of research and culture. Their discussions also touched on the situation in Latin America and Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine. The head of state reiterated that the Ukrainian plan is the only way to restore a just peace and that it is important that Ukraine itself formulates the preconditions for that peace.

Discussions with the new Israeli ambassador focused on the escalating hostilities with the terrorist organisation Hezbollah. “Israel naturally has the right to defend itself,” President Karis stated. “In the wake of the bloody attacks by Hamas on 7 October last year, Israel has been obliged to protect both its people and its state. That said, Estonia is keeping a close and anxious eye on the renewed escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. A lasting solution is never arrived at through war, but through diplomacy, whose importance in tensions and crises is only growing. Every step taken towards peace is important not only for the region, but for the wider world.” Also discussed were Russia’s military aggression, the importance of fully supporting Ukraine and deepening ties between Estonia and Israel, with a focus on defence and digital cooperation.

The ambassadors of Sweden, Moldova and Brazil are based in Tallinn. The Israeli ambassador resides in Helsinki.

Gallery: Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Aron Urb https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBKM5D