In his meeting with President Ruto, the head of state said that Estonia and many African countries understand one another better due to their historical experience: a legacy of occupation and colonialism which has had a profound impact on them. “It is for this reason that we have a similar understanding of the need for protection under international law,” he remarked.
The heads of state also spoke about the necessity to reform the UN, in particular the Security Council. President Karis noted that the greater involvement of African countries in the council’s work is needed, stressing that the UN must be able to respond more quickly and effectively, as the world could face more and more crises and armed hostilities in the future.
“In order to cope with the increasing number of conflicts around the globe, the UN must become more effective,” he said. “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine must be addressed, as must the conflicts in Africa, Gaza and elsewhere – more than 50 of which are playing out in different parts of the world as we speak.” There should be no hesitation among the international community when people’s lives or the sovereignty of countries are at stake, he added.
President Karis invited his Kenyan counterpart to visit Estonia next spring to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries, and to enhance digital and economic cooperation.
Meeting with his Namibian counterpart, the head of state spoke about Estonia’s digitalisation experience and outlined the AI Leap education programme that was launched earlier this year. “Estonia is more than happy to share its experience,” he said.
President Karis also spoke about Estonia’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council, as a member of which Estonia would be able to cooperate more closely with Namibia, which is a sitting member of the council.
Gallery (Office of the President of the Republic/Raigo Pajula): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCuXaX
