The Estonian head of state remarked that conflicts in different parts of the world are linked. “If we want our concerns about crises unfolding close to us to be understood, we have to understand what is happening in other parts of the world as well,” he said. “To do that, we must talk to one another. The way to resolve a crisis is by listening to all of the parties involved and speaking frankly. That was the spirit of my conversation with President Herzog today.”
President Karis added that for peace and stability to be secured in the Middle East, all parties must show willing and work with determination to achieve it. “Releasing hostages and respecting humanitarian law are both prerequisites for peace,” he noted.
The head of state said that Estonia has always supported, and continues to support, a two-state solution in the Middle East. “As Estonians, we know that a nation which yearns for independence cannot be denied it,” he remarked. “The use of force against civilians is unjustifiable, and assistance must reach all those who need it.”
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was also discussed. “Israel has taken a number of steps to provide assistance to the Ukrainians, but they need more,” President Karis urged. “For this reason, I have called on Israel to take a more active role in supporting Ukraine by increasing pressure on Russia at the international level.”
Following their meeting in Kadriorg, the heads of state visited the memorial to victims of communism at Maarjamäe. This afternoon, President Herzog will be meeting with Prime Minister Kristen Michal and visiting a synagogue, where he will greet members of Estonia’s Jewish community.He is being accompanied on his visit by a business delegation.
This is a reciprocal visit by the Israeli head of state, President Karis having visited Israel and Palestine in February this year. Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian visited Estonia in June, and Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar in July. President Herzog visited Lithuania and Latvia prior to arriving in Estonia.
