Estonian formin attends discussion with EU counterparts, US presidential climate envoy

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu participated in a video meeting with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry held at the initiative of Denmark on Friday for the purpose of discussing cooperation in climate diplomacy with the new US administration.

"The United States is the most important ally and partner for Estonia and the European Union," Reinsalu was quoted by spokespeople for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying. "I am pleased that the United States is returning into international cooperation aimed at curbing climate change."

Reinsalu said that cooperation between the United States, European Union and the rest of the world towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions is particularly crucial in view of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in 2021.

The video meeting was held ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, where EU ministers are to exchange views on climate and energy diplomacy, with a focus on promoting the external dimension of the European Green Deal. The Council is also expected to adopt conclusions on this topic.

In addition to EU ministers of foreign affairs, Friday's meeting with Kerry was also attended by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and First Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans.

In his speech, Reinsalu underscored the role of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in acknowledging links between climate change and security, which Estonia is seeking to highlight as an elected member of the UNSC.

"The UN Security Council has a mandate for preserving global peace and international security. It is crucial that the most important decision-making body in the UN should also approach climate-related security risks in a systematic way," Reinsalu said.

Estonia's ambassador at large for climate and energy policy Kaja Tael also attended the meeting with Reinsalu.