Estonian formin in Brussels: Global conflicts require faster decisions

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of the European Union in Brussels on Monday, said that global conflicts require aster decisions and solutions.

The topics discussed at the meeting included ensuring comprehensive support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Foreign ministers of Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt as well as the secretary general of the League of Arab States also attended various meetings.

"Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine has been going on for almost two years. Ukraine is fighting for the security of all of Europe, so it is important to reach an agreement on how to provide Ukraine with the necessary ammunition and financial aid," Tsahkna said.

"In addition, a firm agreement on the provision of long-term military aid is also needed," the minister added.

"We must also make progress at the level of the European Union in order to use the profits made from the frozen assets of the Russian central bank as soon as possible. I have also presented to my European colleagues our domestic plan and legislation that would allow Ukraine to be rebuilt with frozen assets," Tsahkna said.

The Middle East discussion focused on the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

"We condemn the crimes of the terrorist organization Hamas in Israel and support Israel's right to defend itself within the norms of international humanitarian law," Tsahkna said. "Estonia's Middle East policy is linked to the policy of the European Union, which is clearly oriented towards reducing tensions and finding a permanent solution to the conflict, which must be based on a two-state solution. It is important that civilians do not suffer any more."

On the fringes of the FAC, a breakfast with Sameh Hassan Shoukry, the minister of foreign affairs of Egypt, also took place. Topics discussed with the Egyptian minister included developments in and around the Red Sea, the impact of the conflict on the economy and the role of the surrounding countries in achieving peace.

"It is significant and important that the leaders of the surrounding countries have gathered in Brussels today and participated in these discussions," Tsahkna said on Monday.