President Karis: Europe’s security concerns have made Estonian-Cypriot cooperation more important than ever

Meeting with his counterpart Nikos Christodoulides as part of an official visit to Cyprus today, President Alar Karis discussed the political and economic relations between Estonia and Cyprus and security in Europe, in particular the Mediterranean region.

The head of state remarked that with Europe wrestling with international security crises, Estonian-Cypriot cooperation was more important than ever. "Russia's aggression in Ukraine is a war against international law and the inviolability of national borders," he stated. "The Ukrainians need our help. If they are to defend themselves - and the rest of Europe - against the evil which is assailing them, that help must be effective, and it must be promptly delivered. Estonia has made the decision to allocate 0.25% of its GDP over the next four years to the reinforcement of Ukraine's defence capabilities, and we call on other nations to do likewise. That way, our joint contribution will help fend off the aggressor."

The two presidents discussed ways in which Estonia and Cyprus could work together to provide Ukraine with the expertise needed for mine clearance training. They also touched on the rebuilding of the beleaguered nation and the need to bring Russia to justice for its aggression.

During their discussion, the heads of state spoke about the reunification of Cyprus. "We support the island's reunification via the implementation of solutions suitable to both communities in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council," President Karis said.

Other matters discussed by the heads of state included the recent escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic," President Karis warned, but praised Cyprus' efforts to open up a corridor for humanitarian aid and provide additional assistance by sea to those suffering due to the conflict. Known as the Amalthea Initiative and resulting from international cooperation, this has seen vessels laden with humanitarian aid depart from Cypriot ports for Gaza.

Discussing migration issues, the head of state expressed his concern that greater instability in Africa and the Middle East would have an impact on Europe as a whole. "Flows of refugees arriving from unstable regions are used in EU countries to stoke tensions," he admitted, promising Estonia's support for Cyprus as a nation on the frontline of migration problems. "As part of the missions of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, Estonia has played an active role in the defence of the EU's external borders, including in Cyprus. In fact, per head of population, we have contributed more than most other Member States."

On the topic of digital cooperation, President Karis said Estonia was willing to share the knowhow needed for the digitalisation of the state. "I hope to see cooperation between our countries taken to the next level in this regard," he said. "Mutual recognition of digital prescriptions is just one practical example of the benefits that could be brought to residents of both our countries, for example when travelling."

The head of state said that the business delegation accompanying him on his visit was proof of Estonia's wish to further promote economic cooperation with Cyprus. "Estonian entrepreneurs from a range of backgrounds, including the digital and maritime sectors, are looking for Cypriot partners to do business with," he said. "I am hopeful that our seminar and meetings will provide fresh impetus for cooperation between them."

President Karis also met today with President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, discussing security concerns in regions close to both Estonia and Cyprus, the need to support Ukraine and Russia's war of aggression. Other topics touched upon were closer cooperation between the Estonian and Cypriot parliaments and closer ties generally between the two nations, including in the areas of economic and digital cooperation. This year marks the 20th anniversary of both Estonia and Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

President Karis has been accompanied on his visit to Cyprus by a business delegation comprising representatives of Admirals Group, Amisco, Datel, DefSecIntel, Saaresalu, the Port of Sillamäe, TalTech Kuressaare College and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.