Hussar in Egypt: A way must be found to open the Strait of Hormuz

TALLINN - During his visit to Egypt from Sunday to Tuesday, the Speaker of the Riigikogu focused on the connections between events in the Middle East and Iran and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, as well as on promoting bilateral cooperation.

In high-level meetings on Monday, Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar stressed the importance of finding a diplomatic solution to open the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible and with minimal disruption to the global economy.

"Russia is the primary beneficiary of the high oil prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, using this money to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine. We must do everything in our power to continue supporting Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia," he said.

Hussar also discussed strengthening bilateral relations with Egyptian officials in the areas of trade, investment, digital cooperation, and education. "Among other things, Egypt is interested in our experience with e-services," he added.

During the visit, Hussar met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Hisham Badawi, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Sameh Shoukry, and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. He also met with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the incoming Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy, who will take office in early July.

Additionally, on Monday evening, Hussar inaugurated the new premises of the Estonian Embassy in Cairo. In his speech, he affirmed that the embassy is not just a new space, but a symbol of the strengthening relations between Estonia and Egypt, of growing trust, and of a shared commitment to closer cooperation.

"Although Estonia and Egypt are geographically distant, we are connected in more ways than one might think. A particularly beautiful and meaningful bond comes from nature. Every year, storks migrate from Estonia to Egypt to spend the winter and return to nest in the spring. Their journey quietly but persistently connects our two countries," he said. Hussar added that just as the storks find their way back year after year, our countries will also find new opportunities for cooperation in diplomacy, economic relations, education, and culture. "These new premises will provide us with even better opportunities to strengthen and expand this bridge," he stated.

The opening ceremony was attended by Estonian Ambassador to Egypt Ingrid Amer, as well as diplomats from several countries, partners, entrepreneurs, local Estonians, and Sameh Shoukry, the chairman of the Egyptian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and former foreign minister.