Liimets discussed cooperation and bilateral relations with her Chinese counterpart

Yesterday 17 January, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets had a video call with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the bilateral relations of Estonia and China, thanking her colleague for cooperation at the UN Security Council.

The ministers highlighted the importance of the UN Security Council in managing international crises and peacefully resolving conflicts to mitigate their impact on the population. This is why Liimets also highlighted Estonia's work as a penholder for Afghanistan at the UN Security Council and successful negotiations for a unanimous agreement to extend the mandate of the UN's mission in Afghanistan.

Estonia considers the Security Council integral to peacefully upholding international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, which was an important part of our work during our membership. We also consider cybersecurity an increasingly crucial issue that needs to be addressed in the UN and more broadly. "Cyber threats and fighting them is an important element of global security today and the Council needs to deal with them alongside other threats," Liimets said.

The ministers also noted that over the course of thirty years of diplomatic relations, the bilateral relations between the Republic of Estonia and the People's Republic of China have seen a steady development and an increase in trade. Foreign Minister Liimets also said Estonia was ready to continue the good cooperation in trade in agricultural goods.

Both parties noted the relations of Estonia and China were part of the relations of the European Union and China and expressed hope for the success of the EU-China summit in March. Minister Liimets also said Estonia was interested in meeting in the 27+1 format, which would be important for all parties.

Foreign Minister Liimets raised the issue of human rights and emphasised Estonia considered it a fundamental social issue where there can be no compromise. The ministers said dialogue between the EU and China and in other international organisations was needed on this topic. Liimets told her Chinese counterpart Estonia would stand in solidarity with its Baltic neighbour Lithuania.

In conclusion, the ministers expressed hope they would meet in mutual visits in the future and Liimets wished Wang Yi a happy upcoming Chinese New Year and successful Beijing Olympic Games.

Additional information:
Mihkel Tamm
Director General
Communication Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
+37254370047