President Karis says that Estonia and Romania enjoy a close partnership in NATO and that both countries face similar security challenges. “We are working to achieve the same thing, which is to say guaranteeing Europe’s collective defence,” he explained. “The security situation in Europe has changed drastically. This has already led to a stronger presence of NATO allies on its eastern flank, which has sent a clear message to the aggressor: that any attempts to turn back the clock and undermine our security will fail.”
The Estonian head of state says the wider-ranging and harder-hitting package of sanctions implemented by the European Union in response to President Putin’s war on Ukraine will mean that the aggression comes at a painful cost and isolates Russia. “And we must apply further sanctions, because they work, and truly do hit hard,” he said.
The Estonian and Romanian heads of state discussed ways of alleviating the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, with President Karis highlighting Romania’s support for neighbouring Moldova in dealing with the influx of refugees. “I arrived in Bucharest from Chișinău, where I met with people who have fled from this terrible conflict,” he said. “The staunch support that Romania has shown Moldova since the crisis began has been much needed.” He added that Estonia too is providing assistance to Moldova.
Presidents Karis and Iohannis also discussed bilateral relations between their countries, including closer digital cooperation. Estonia and Romania marked 100 years of diplomatic relations in 2021.
