“Lasting peace in the Middle East can only be attained through a solution that guarantees both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples a sovereign and secure life side by side, as neighbours. This can only be achieved through an agreement that is accepted by both parties, who want peace,” President Karis emphasised.
He stressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and expressed his hope that it will hold and that humanitarian aid will arrive in Gaza unhindered. “Estonia considers it important that aid reaches those in need without delay.” President Karis confirmed that Estonia will continue to support Palestine through international organisations.
The meeting’s participants discussed the European Union’s initiatives to increase the capacity of the Palestinian National Authority. “Palestine’s readiness to take Gaza under joint administration is an important step towards stability in the region,” noted the Head of State. “Estonia is also ready to share its experience in the fields of e-governance and digitalisation and to support initiatives that contribute to the peace process and the development of the region.”
In addition to the peace process, the meeting participants also addressed the wider security situation. President Karis emphasised that the outcome of Russia’s war in Ukraine will have an impact on the stability of Europe and the entire world. “Russia’s aggression is a direct threat, and if Ukraine’s sovereignty is not defended, the risk of conflict elsewhere in the world will increase,” he said.
Speaking about the cooperation between Estonia and Palestine, President Karis highlighted the digital sphere and e-governance projects. “Estonia has been a long-standing partner of Palestine in digitalisation and has supported local diplomats through scholarship programmes.” He recalled that since 2016, Estonian experts have participated in the EUPOL COPPS mission, contributing to the development of the Palestinian security sector.
Photos: Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC2o65
