Estonian formin, Borrell discuss Moscow visit, Russia, EU unity

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets had a telephone call with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell; they discussed the high representative's Moscow visit, Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, European Union unity, and cooperation with the United States and NATO.

The foreign minister affirmed that Estonia would continue its foreign policy based on European values, and supported the unity and solidarity of the European Union.

"Transatlantic unity and cooperation remain at the heart of our foreign and security policy -- we hope that the cooperation between the European Union and the new US administration deepens and is constructive and substantive," Liimets said.

The foreign minister also underlined the need to continue with a foreign and security policy based on consensus, to focus on boosting the EU's global role and deepen the cooperation between the EU and NATO.

Commenting on the high representative's visit to Moscow, Liimets said that Moscow's hostile attitude towards the European Union did not come as a surprise.

"What is important for us in the EU is to draw the right conclusions and act accordingly, and boost our cooperation with the United States and the United Kingdom, including on issues related to Russia," she said.

"At the Foreign Affairs Council later this month, the European Union must respond decisively to the imprisonment of Navalny and impose restrictive measures against individuals involved," Liimets emphasized.