Today, 11 July, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu met with the Under Secretary of State of the United States of America David Hale. At the meeting, the ministers discussed the bilateral and regional security cooperation between Estonia and the United States, cooperation in international organisations, and relations with Russia.
Foreign Minister Reinsalu and Under Secretary Hale talked about future cooperation in the UN Security Council, with a particular focus on cybersecurity. “We plan to increase mutual visits and contacts, and consultations on all issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council,” Reinsalu said.
Foreign Minister Reinsalu raised the subject of organising the Three Seas Initiative summit in Estonia next year, which will enhance cooperation with the United States in specific areas, including energy and infrastructure.
The meeting also covered relations with Russia and efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, Georgia, Syria and elsewhere. “In relations with Russia, we need unity in protecting our principled positions,” Reinsalu said. The Foreign Minister also expressed his disapproval of Russia’s return to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
They also discussed tensions in the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf. “I am concerned about the activities of Iran in the region and call on reducing tensions,” Reinsalu added. Talks also included the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/72157709575737071