President: Estonia supports security of Iraq

TALLINN - In a meeting with President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid in Baghdad, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized Estonia's support for Iraq's security, highlighting the importance of the  country's development for Estonia.

"By participating in various international missions, Estonia has been contributing to the security of Iraq and the entire Middle East region, which is why the development of Iraq matters to Estonians. We have paid a high price for peace and prosperity," Karis said.

The Estonian head of state underscored that Iraq's efforts to tackle its political, economic and security challenges have been increasingly efficient, noting the positive ripple effect across the Middle East.

"The armed forces of Iraq have demonstrated impressive capacity to counter terrorism as well as balance and improve their country's security situation," he added.

The president remarked on Iraq's growing role for Estonia as a partner in global forums and major international organizations. He highlighted Iraq's backing of United Nations resolutions denouncing Russian aggression, and urged Iraq to endorse the peace formula proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Karis expressed readiness to support initiatives by Arab nations aimed at peacefully resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in line with international law.

He acknowledged that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels. Estonia has allocated additional funds to alleviate it through UN aid organizations.

During his visit to Baghdad, Karis also met with First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi House of Representatives Mohsen Al-Mandalawi. This marks the first-ever visit to Iraq by an Estonian head of state.