In her annual foreign policy speech held today at the Riigikogu, Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand said that supporting Ukraine in the restoration of its territorial integrity and ensuring its sovereignty are Estonia's greatest foreign policy priorities.
Kaljurand confirmed that it is important to find a solution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict which would respect and ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Therefore, international non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea is very important for Ukraine. "Until commitments that have been taken are not met, the pressure of sanctions must continue," Foreign Minister Kaljurand said, and added that although sanctions are not themselves a goal, the combination of the effective implementation of diplomatic efforts with other external means makes it possible to achieve common European foreign policy goals.
Foreign Minister Kaljurand noted that Russia's aggression in Ukraine is the context in which the Ukrainian government is trying to carry out reforms and confirmed that Estonia is ready to continue supporting Ukraine with the implementation of its reforms, since it is a long-term priority development cooperation partner country. "The future of Ukraine will not be decided on the battlefield, successful reforms are what will ensure Ukraine's future," Kaljurand said, adding that significant progress has been made in the economy, banking and energy sectors.
Kaljurand sees the Ukrainian people's desire to create a society based on European values and a respect for rights, as positive. "The efforts of Ukrainians to integrate in the direction of Europe is a great recognition for the whole of the European Union. This proves how strong Europe's image as a bearer of democratic values is," the Foreign Minister said. Kaljurand expressed hope that the European Union will continue its open-door policy in order to ensure success in the Balkans and the Eastern Partnership countries.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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