The head of state noted that the UN had been the central platform for international peace, security and development for nearly 80 years. “The global system based on international law and the UN Charter is critical for all countries in protecting their rights and sovereignty, but especially so for small states,” he remarked.
President Karis added that we rely on the rule of law, not the rule of stronger law. “Only by adhering to the principles of the UN Charter can we ensure that every country, regardless of its size or power, can exist and develop freely,” he said. “The strength of our international order lies not in the dominance of the few, but in the shared commitment of all nations to the principles of the charter.”
In his address, the Estonian head of state underscored the importance of respect for the UN Charter, the need to improve the working methods of the Security Council, the initiative to limit the use and scope of vetoes, the importance of granting the General Assembly a stronger role and the need to ensure that the voices of small and medium-sized nations are heard and taken into account. “It is crucial that the UN remains an effective platform for peace, justice and prosperity for all humanity,” he said.
While in New York, President Karis met with Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović to discuss EU and NATO accession and the security situation in the Balkan region. He reiterated Estonia’s support and readiness to share its experience of joining the EU and NATO with Bosnia so as to speed up the process of reform in the country.
The head of state also met with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste to discuss opportunities for digital cooperation, Estonia’s e-governance experience, European security and developments in the regions of both countries.
Another meeting held by President Karis in New York was with Prime Minister Daniel Risch of Liechtenstein, with whom he discussed cooperation in the UN. Estonia and Liechtenstein form part of the core group in the UN whose aim is to establish an international tribunal to try crimes of aggression.
Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic): https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums/72177720320583014/
