TALLINN - During an official visit to Egypt, Estonian President Alari Karis emphasized the importance of international cooperation in alleviating security crises in Europe and the Middle East in a meeting with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Wednesday.
Speaking about the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Karis highlighted Egypt's significant role and efforts as a peace mediator.
"Resolving this crisis is vital not only for regional but also for global peace and security. The conflict must not be allowed to escalate into a large-scale regional war or beyond," the Estonian head of state said.
The Estonian and Egyptian presidents discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in assisting refugees from the area across the region. President Karis stressed the need for a rapid ceasefire, increased accessibility of humanitarian aid for those in need, and expressed concern over the obstruction of UNRWA's efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to people in Gaza.
"Blocking the activities of a relief organization deprives civilians suffering from the conflict in Gaza of humanitarian aid, including support for organizing school education," Karis said.
In response to a UN emergency appeal, Estonia increased its support this year for humanitarian organizations such as UNRWA, UNICEF, and the World Food Program.
The two presidents also spoke about Russia's war against Ukraine. President Karis emphasized the need for strong international support for Ukraine to pressure Russia to end its war of aggression. He also urged Egypt to support Ukraine's proposed peace formula based on the UN Charter.
The Estonian head of state said that Egypt is an essential partner in Europe's southern neighborhood for the European Union and NATO.
"These partnerships provide a strong foundation for cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability," Karis said. He also noted Egypt's key role in curbing irregular migration from Africa to Europe.
The president noted that Estonia and Egypt share an interest in enhancing economic cooperation.
"For this purpose, an Estonian business delegation has been included in the visit to seek new cooperation opportunities. Some Estonian companies are already active in the Egyptian market, for instance, in the mining and mobility services sectors," he said.
The head of state also spoke about collaboration opportunities between Estonia and Egypt in education, particularly between universities, and highlighted Egypt as a popular destination for Estonian tourists.
In Cairo, Karis met with Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb. He also visited the Amr ibn al-As Mosque. The head of state welcomed representatives of Egypt's political and business circles at a reception hosted by Estonia's honorary consul Motaz Raslan.
Accompanying the president in Cairo are Estonian companies from sectors including IT, defense industry, health products, fintech, energy, mining, and construction and engineering services: Eesti Energia, Admiral Markets Group, Norvita, Scandinavian Exports, Bolt, Aton Resources, Ecomatic, and Go Group.
Karis' official delegation includes Magnus-Valdemar Saar, director of the Center for Defense Investment, and Sandra Särav-Tammus, deputy secretary general for economy and innovation of the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
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