Today, 1 August, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna held a working meeting with Maltese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg in Tallinn. Discussions focused on Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, the geopolitical challenges of Europe and the Baltic Sea region, and opportunities for closer cooperation between Estonia and Malta. 
Speaking about the situation in Ukraine, Minister Tsahkna underlined the need to continue providing comprehensive support to Ukraine and to create mechanisms to hold Russia accountable for its violations of international law. He noted that the foundational documents of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression, signed by the Council of Europe in June, are a landmark step in establishing international justice. “The tribunal approved under the Maltese Presidency sends a clear message – no crime should go unpunished,” Tsahkna said and wished his Maltese colleague success for the next phase of the Presidency.
The security situation in the Baltic Sea was also discussed, where the activities of the Russian shadow fleet have increased. “The aggressive actions of the shadow fleet pose a threat to the environment and security of the entire Baltic Sea region, including coastal states,” Tsahkna stressed. “Therefore, it is extremely important to intensify cooperation between the Baltic Sea countries and other European Union member states to find solutions to restrict the transit of Russian oil, as the revenues from this are used to finance Russia’s war machine.”
At the end of the meeting, the ministers also discussed strengthening tourism cooperation. Malta is visited by more than 11,000 Estonian tourists every year, which creates a solid basis for closer cooperation in culture and economic affairs.
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