“The situation has been critical for a long time and the ceasefire must bring real help to the people affected. The hostages must be released – this a very important step, both from a humanitarian point of view and to restore confidence in the peace negotiations,” said President Karis. “The ceasefire should not remain a mere respite, but must lead to substantive solutions aimed at preventing a new wave of violence.”
The participants in the meetings discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine and its impact on global stability. “Russia’s aggression is not only a European problem – it undermines the international order and creates a dangerous precedent, in which force may begin to determine justice elsewhere in the world,” remarked the Estonian Head of State. He added that Russia is deliberately exploiting the crisis in the Middle East to distract attention from its actions in Ukraine and to strengthen ties with Iran and other powers that are fuelling instability in the region.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East are not isolated crises – they both affect global security. The growing strategic alliance between Russia and Iran is a cause for concern, as Iran not only supports Russia’s military activities, but also participates in them directly by providing weapons and other assistance to Russia,” said the President of the Republic.
During the meetings, cooperation between Estonia and Israel in the fields of security, defence and science and technology was also discussed. “Estonia highly appreciates Israel’s experience in security and is ready to share its knowledge in coping with the Russian threat and hybrid attacks,” noted the Head of State. He added that Estonia has strengthened its defence capabilities, partially by increasing its procurement of Israeli military equipment.
Science and technology cooperation was also an important topic addressed by President Karis during his visit. Gert Jervan, Vice Rector of the Tallinn University of Technology, also participated in the Estonian delegation to discuss opportunities for cooperation in research and development.
The President of the Republic visited the Startup Nation Central hub in Israel, where he highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Estonia and Israel in the sphere of technologies and innovations. “Estonia and Israel share a common vision – to use digital solutions as a driving force,” said President Karis. He mentioned Estonia’s successful e-governance and digital healthcare system and noted that Israel is strong in combining science and business, especially when it comes to health technology. “We can learn from Israel’s experiences here,” he added. Both countries have a good basis for cooperation for cyber security, artificial intelligence and health technology development.
President Karis visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and laid a wreath at the grave of Theodor Herzl. He also planted an olive tree in the Grove of Nations of the Jerusalem Forest, symbolising peace and Estonian-Israeli friendship. Tomorrow, President Karis will meet Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, in Ramallah.
Photos: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC2eJ5
