Today, 2 March, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna held telephone conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and the Foreign Minister of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, to discuss developments in the Middle East, the safety of Estonian citizens in the region and possibilities for their return home.
“At present, our priority is the safety of Estonian citizens in the Middle East region and ensuring their swift return home. The Estonian government is also in constant contact with other European Union member states, and together we are working to assist citizens who have encountered difficulties,” said Tsahkna.
In the conversations, Foreign Minister Tsahkna stressed that Iran has long posed a threat to regional and broader international security and has repressed its own people, and that an opportunity has now emerged for the Iranian people to shape their own future.
“Over the years, Estonia has supported the sanctions imposed by the European Union on the Iranian regime for grave human rights violations, including brutal repression in which thousands of people have lost their lives, as well as for its support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which poses a direct threat to Europe,” Tsahkna said.
Tsahkna also condemned Iran’s attacks against the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq and other countries in the region. Together with his counterparts, he discussed what could be done jointly to de-escalate tensions and achieve a peaceful solution.
All Estonian citizens in the Middle East region are requested to register their short-term stay on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If necessary, please contact [email protected] or call the 24-hour emergency number +372 5301 9999 for information.
Information will also be updated on an ongoing basis on the Foreign Ministry’s online consul site and on www.vm.ee.
Additional information
Communication Department
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www.vm.ee | @MFAestonia