Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Morocco: we must address global crises and threats together
On 21 and 22 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is on a visit to Morocco with a business delegation. Today he met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to discuss closer bilateral political and economic ties, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the conflict in the Middle East.
During his meeting with Bourita, Tsahkna recognised Morocco as a good partner of the European Union and NATO and thanked him for the assistance provided to Ukraine. He added that Estonia and Morocco shared a deep interest in innovation and digitalisation. “I am in Morocco with a business delegation to discover and develop our relations in these areas, as well as other domains,” he said, adding that today a joint declaration on closer bilateral relations was signed.
They also discussed the security situation in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Tsahkna underlined that Estonia contributed wherever and as much as possible. Speaking about Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Tsahkna said Russia has not abandoned its imperialist ambitions. “I condemn all efforts to normalise Russia’s attempts at undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and global security. Ukraine is fighting for us and instead of us and Russia does not plan to stop in Ukraine.”
Tsahkna added that Putin and his accomplices must be held to account for crimes against humanity and aggression in Ukraine.
Touching upon the situation in Western Sahara, Tsahkna said that Estonia supported the leadership of the UN in efforts towards a just, pragmatic and lasting peace that is acceptable to all parties. “Estonia considers the autonomy proposal submitted by Morocco to the UN secretary-general in 2007 a credible basis for finding a solution.”
Discussing the situation in the Middle East, Tsahkna said Estonia stood for finding a permanent solution in the region. “I am convinced that this entails a two-state solution that would ensure Israel’s security and give Palestine a politically and economically stable future. This is in the interests of a peaceful future for not only the Middle East but us all.”
The meeting also covered closer bilateral relations, and cooperation between the EU and Morocco. “Morocco has a key role between Africa and Europe, and I consider cooperation between the EU and Morocco crucial for jointly addressing global and regional crises and threats,” Tsahkna said, welcoming Morocco’s active role as the EU’s southern neighbour.
Tsahkna also met with the President of the Parliament of Morocco Talbi Alami and Minister for Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzouri to discuss closer cooperation between Estonia and Morocco, particularly on digital and cyber affairs.
Today Tsahkna and Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform Ghita Mezzouri attended “e-connect”, a joint Estonian-Moroccan event for sharing digital practices held at the Rabat Technopolis. In his speech, Tsahkna emphasised the transformative power of the e-state and recognised Morocco for the steps it has taken to digitalise state services.
Tomorrow, Tsahkna and the Estonian business delegation will take part in a business forum in Casablanca.
Photos of the visit are available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72177720321373251
Additional information
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