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Tsahkna in Qatar: our response to Russia's aggression will shape the security and future of the world

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

05.12.2024

Today 5 December, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is the first Estonian foreign minister to make an official visit to Doha, Qatar, meeting with Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to discuss closer bilateral relations, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the security situation in the Middle East, as well as to explore the opportunities for Estonian entrepreneurs on the Gulf market.

Speaking about Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Tsahkna said it was an existential issue for Estonia. "Russia's imperialist ambitions remain unchanged and Estonia knows all too well what this entails," Tsahkna said, adding that Russia has ramped up hostilities and brought in North Korean troops. "Russia's aggression is not regional, it is global; and our response to it will shape the future and security of us all."

Tsahkna recognised Qatar for its mediation efforts in bringing back deported Ukrainian children. Since the start of Russia's aggression, Qatar has helped to repatriate 53 children deported from Ukraine, and seven of them were reunited with their families in late November.

The meeting covered the situation in the Middle East, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the situation in Lebanon and Syria. "Estonia is contributing wherever and in whichever way it can," Tsahkna emphasised, adding that Estonia supported all diplomatic efforts to prevent an escalation of hostilities and bring the Middle East back from the brink, and recognised Qatar's efforts to reach a ceasefire. "I stand for a permanent solution in the region. I remain convinced that this entails a two-state solution that would ensure Israel's security and give Palestine a politically and economically stable future."

Today, Tsahkna also met with Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, State Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, and Minister for Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani to discuss additional economic cooperation options. "Estonian entrepreneurs are very interested in the Qatari market and Qatar is a priority country for Estonia in the region," Tsahkna said. He added that Estonia recently held a seminar on the Gulf market to boost cooperation, and it attracted 150 companies. Tsahkna noted that Estonia had 30 years of experience when it came to digital development and we are ready to share it. "We are connected by a deep interest in innovation and business and we recognise their importance for boosting the economy."

Tsahkna is accompanied by a business delegation that includes Estonian digital and technology companies Bolt, Helmes, Defsecintel Solutions OÜ, Lean OÜ, Bercman Energy, Elcogen, Cybexer Technologies, Nortal, and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In the evening, Tsahkna attended the technology fair MENA Fintech Festival, where he moderated a panel on Estonia's digital development, and a networking event aimed at the business delegation.

Tomorrow, Tsahkna travels to Bahrain, where he will speak at the security conference IISS Manama Dialogue and where he will meet with Bahraini cabinet members and other participants of the conference.