“The official opening of the Canadian embassy in Tallinn is a clear sign of the strength and closeness of relations between Estonia and Canada. It is also very welcome that the foreign ministers of the Baltic States and Canada are meeting in this format for the fourth time already. This demonstrates the continuity and growing importance of our close cooperation,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.
According to Tsahkna, Canada is an important transatlantic partner for Estonia and the wider region, whose contribution to regional security is significant. “We greatly value Canada’s leadership on NATO’s eastern flank, its presence in Latvia, and Canada’s long-standing and unwavering support for Ukraine,” he noted. “Canada’s contribution to security in our region also directly supports economic security. This is also demonstrated by the magnet factory opened in Narva last autumn by the Canadian company Neo Performance Materials. Estonia is committed to supporting Neo’s operations in Estonia,” said Tsahkna.
The meeting between the foreign ministers of the Baltic States and Canada also addressed Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and the need to increase pressure on Moscow. “Russia remains the most direct and serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Therefore, we must continue to increase pressure on Russia, including through tougher sanctions,” said Tsahkna. He added that Estonia is working within the European Union towards imposing a full ban on maritime services related to Russian energy exports. The foreign minister also stressed the need to continue action against Russia’s shadow fleet. “We must target both the shadow fleet itself as well as the broader ecosystem and states supporting it. We highly value the excellent cooperation within the G7/NB8++ shadow fleet task force established under Canada’s leadership,” he said. The four countries also discussed Russia’s global propaganda and malign influence activities, as well as ways to counter them.
Tsahkna also praised Canada for its steadfast support for Ukraine. “Canada’s leadership in providing military, economic and humanitarian assistance and development cooperation, implementing sanctions, and participating in the Coalition of the Willing has been significant,” said the foreign minister. He also commended Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand for her leadership role in the international coalition addressing the issue of children deported from Ukraine.
In addition, Tsahkna highlighted Estonia’s initiative to impose EU-wide entry bans on former Russian combatants. “We are convinced that they pose a long-term security risk if they are able to move freely within Europe. We encourage partners, including Canada, to consider joining this initiative,” he said.
Ministers Tsahkna and Anand also recognised the active role of the Estonian community in Canada in supporting relations between the two countries and peoples over the decades and into the future.
The foreign ministers also issued a joint statement.
Photos from the meeting: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUrPm
The joint press conference of the four countries can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZQsubxL_YM
