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Minister of Foreign Affairs Tsahkna to British colleague: grey areas in Europe only exacerbate instability

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

31.05.2023

Yesterday, on 30 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna met with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in Tallinn to discuss continued support for Ukraine, the security situation in Europe, and deepening bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Tsahkna thanked the United Kingdom for contributing to the security of Estonia and Europe, including to strengthening NATO's eastern flank. "The United Kingdom is a close ally NATO," Tsahkna said. "The United Kingdom made a significant contribution to Estonia's freedom already in 1918, when we first became independent from Russian rule, and continues to do so today."

"We are pleased to continue to host the UK-led eFP Battlegroup in Estonia, and we appreciate your contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission from Ämari Air Base," Tsahkna said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that while we are protected and secure here in Tallinn, a brutal war is being waged by Russia at the heart of Europe, in Ukraine. "Aggression as a means of international relations must be completely discredited, and the idea of spheres of influence belongs in the trash heap of history," he said, adding that there should be no grey zones in European security. "We have learned from history that grey areas only exacerbate instability."

"Now that Ukraine is fighting for its freedom and the right to choose its allies, we need to show that as an Alliance, we are ready to take a step toward what we promised to them in Bucharest 15 years ago," Tsahkna said. "The way to achieve that goal is for Ukraine to one day become a member of the Alliance."

Estonia and the United Kingdom are also linked through their cooperation in developing new and breakthrough technologies, including the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). "This will help us further strengthen our cooperation in developing cybersecurity and digital solutions," Tsahkna said, adding that cooperation with the UK will also help to maintain the integrity of Ukraine's digital sector.

Tsahkna also praised the United Kingdom for its leadership in supporting Ukraine. "The UK has done a remarkable job of helping Ukraine through its leadership of the coalition of tanks and aircrafts and by organising this year's Ukraine Recovery Conference."

Today, Tsahkna and his UK colleague will travel to Oslo, Norway, for an informal meeting of foreign ministers of NATO. The meeting will focus on preparations for the Vilnius Summit on 11-12 July and feature discussions on the security situation in Europe and practical and political support for Ukraine.