“Throughout the years, Estonia has actively engaged in diverse international formats to contribute to the security and stability of Iraq and the Middle East as a whole, which is why Estonians care about the development of Iraq. We have paid a high price for peace and prosperity,” said President Alar Karis at a meeting with his Iraqi colleague Abdel Latif Rachid in Baghdad.
The Estonian head of state stressed that Iraq’s efforts in overcoming political, economic and security challenges have been increasingly efficient and benefit the entire Middle East. “The Iraqi armed forces have made significant progress, demonstrating their capability to fight terrorism and to stabilise and improve the security situation in Iraq,” he added.
The Estonian president noted that Iraq is an increasingly important partner for Estonia on the global stage and in influential international organisations. He highlighted Iraq’s support for UN resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression and called on Iraq to support the Ukraine peace formula as proposed by President Zelenskyy.
President Karis expressed Estonia’s readiness to support proposals by Arab countries that would contribute towards a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis in accordance with international law. He admitted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented proportions. Estonia has allocated additional funds for easing the crisis via UN relief organisations.
During his stay in Baghdad, President Karis, the first Estonian head of state to visit Iraq, also met with First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi.
