Today, 27 March, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna hosted ambassadors accredited to Estonia from around the
world at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief them on the current priorities of Estonia’s foreign policy and to share the story of the Estonian presidential flag recently brought back home from Australia.
“In implementing our foreign policy, we continue to be guided by two principles that have steered us since the restoration of independence: Estonia must never again stand alone, and we are always prepared to defend our independence,” Tsahkna said.
“We are working to ensure that the international environment is favourable for the continued existence of Estonia’s independence. For this reason, our priority remains securing Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom, as the preservation of these principles in Ukraine also ensures Estonia’s security and independence,” Tsahkna said.
“In addition to providing economic, military and political support to Ukraine, the most important task is to continue increasing pressure on Russia, as only this can compel it to end the war. We must ensure that developments in the Middle East do not benefit Russia or enable it to replenish its state budget more effectively,” Tsahkna said.
According to the foreign minister, ending Russia’s aggression is essential for ensuring Estonia’s immediate security, as the effects of the aggression are also being felt beyond Estonia’s borders.
Speaking about the main activities of Estonia’s foreign policy, Tsahkna highlighted progress on establishing a special tribunal, imposing entry bans on Russian fighters, and countering the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet. EU enlargement and the reconstruction of Ukraine were also discussed, with particular emphasis on the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Estonia next year.
According to Tsahkna, developments in the Middle East have clearly demonstrated the close cooperation between Russia and Iran. “Iran has long supported Russia’s military actions against Ukraine, and now Russia is in turn assisting Iran, including through the sharing of intelligence. Estonia’s position is that the weakening of the Iranian regime is beneficial for European security,” the foreign minister said, adding that Ukraine has meanwhile become a provider of security for countries in the region.
Foreign Minister Tsahkna also shared with the ambassadors the story of the Estonian presidential flag, which was taken out of Estonia in 1944 and which he brought back to Estonia from Australia a couple of weeks ago.
“The story of the flag, kept hidden for more than 80 years, illustrates that Estonians value their freedom, independence and the symbols associated with them,” Tsahkna said.
More information about the flag brought back from Australia can be found here: https://vm.ee/en/news/foreign-minister-tsahkna-receives-historic-estonian-flag-relic-sydney
Photos of the event.
Additional information:
Communication Department
[email protected]