Foreign Minister Liimets at the UN: the situation in Afghanistan and the protection of children's rights are Estonia's priorities

Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets, who is in New York for the opening week of the UN General Assembly's 76th session, had several meetings on Monday focused on the situation in Afghanistan and the protection of children's rights.

She met with Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to discuss cooperation in protecting the rights of children in conflict zones. Gamba recognised Estonia's commitment and the discussions on the protection of children in armed conflicts that Estonia organised at the UN Security Council. "In crises, children are the most vulnerable and often experience very cruel treatment. The conscription of children into armed forces is also a problem and it is unfortunately common that the lives of girls attending school are threatened. This is why we must keep drawing attention to this," Foreign Minister Liimets said. "In June, during our Presidency of the UN Security Council, we held a high-level open debate, attended by the Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres, to assess the impact of conflicts on children in various regions of the world. I am glad to continue discussing these topics at the meeting on Thursday that focuses on the protection of children in armed conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic." Gamba and Liimets reaffirmed their wish to continue close cooperation beyond Estonia's elected membership in the UN Security Council.

At her meeting with Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, the Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, Liimets focused on Estonia's experience as a member of the UN Security Council. Both noted that small states made a difference in the Council. Liimets wished the UAE success with the organisation of the upcoming EXPO, where Estonia participates with a pavilion on the digital society.

Liimets met with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani to discuss closer bilateral relations, including sharing Estonia's e-governance experience, and security issues in the Middle East region. The ministers also touched upon the situation in Afghanistan.

Events in Afghanistan were also central at the informal meeting of European Union foreign affairs ministers. "Estonia will keep the focus of the UN Security Council on this issue. I am glad that together with Norway, we successfully completed negotiations on the extension of the UN assistance mission in Afghanistan," the foreign minister said. "It is crucial for the European Union to boost cooperation with the countries of the region to increase their resistance and find solutions together to the concomitant problems, mainly the humanitarian crisis." On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Liimets meets with the ambassador of Afghanistan who is heading Afghanistan's delegation at the General Assembly in New York.

Gallery (with updates): https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/721577198...

Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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