I am very pleased to visit Cyprus. I would like to sincerely thank you for a very warm welcome to me and my delegation. It brings me great joy to be here during the year when both Estonia and Cyprus celebrate the 20th anniversary of joining the European Union family.
This visit highlights the depth of our partnership with Cyprus and our wish to further nurture our friendly relations. We are both EU member states navigating a unique political and geographical landscape. We are both like lighthouses by the sea at the South and North end of the EU borders.
The fact that Estonian business delegation also joined me in this visit, is a testament to our strong interest in fostering economic cooperation. Our business delegation comprises representatives from various sectors, including digital and maritime, seeking opportunities for collaboration. I am optimistic that today's business seminar and meetings will give a positive impulse to economic ties. There are many things we could jointly do, Estonia has expressed the readiness to provide our knowhow on digitalization of the public administration. I am hoping to revitalize the digital collaboration, with mutually recognized e-prescriptions serving as a tangible outcome of our cooperation, benefiting tourists visiting our countries.
Our cooperation extends from the EU to the United Nations and elsewhere. We stand ready to collaborate with Cyprus in your preparations for assuming the European Union presidency in 2026.
Despite being situated at opposite ends of Europe, Estonia and Cyprus share common values and confront similar challenges. As Europe grapples with international crises, our cooperation to find remedy to what´s happening in our neighborhood, becomes more crucial than ever, as it was reflected in our discussions.
Russia's war in Ukraine is an aggression against all the principles we value. It is important that we continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, providing all the help we can. Estonia is committed to allocating 0.25% of our GDP over the next four years to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
I deeply appreciate the understanding and support extended by Cyprus to Ukraine. I commend Cyprus for your contribution to humanitarian demining efforts in Ukraine. Estonia is eager to collaborate with Cyprus, to double our expertise for Ukraine.
In addition, it is essential that we collectively endeavor to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and crimes against humanity. We must support the implementation of the Ukraine's Peace Formula, centered on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Over the last six months we have seen the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We highly value all the efforts Cyprus has taken to open a humanitarian corridor (Amalthea Initiative) to deliver much-needed additional assistance by sea. I echo President Christodoulídis's sentiment that the Amalthia journey is one of hope and humanity.
The destabilizing influence of Russia and its activities in Africa, particularly through the Wagner Group, remain deeply concerning. Their impact extends from the Mediterranean to our region. Migrant flows coming from instable areas are exploited by Russia as part of hybrid warfare against the EU countries.
I reaffirm Estonia's full support for Cyprus as a frontline member state facing migration challenges. Estonia has actively contributed expertise and resources to EU external border protection through Frontex missions including in Cyprus. Estonia’s overall contribution to Frontex is one of the highest per capita in the EU.
Today, Estonia provides safe place to Ukrainians, over 4% of our population are Ukrainian war refugees.
I would also like to be clear on our stand on reunification. We fully support the reunification based on a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. We must all do our part to support achieving this.
Once again, allow me to thank you, dear Níkos, for the warm welcome extended to me. I am confident that this visit will further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations between Estonia and Cyprus, two close European partners. Thank you.
