President Karis: The way to resolve a crisis is by listening to all of the parties involved and speaking frankly

Press statement by the President of the Republic on the occasion of the visit of President Isaac Herzog of Israel

President Herzog, journalists,

I welcome Israeli head of state Isaac Herzog on his visit to Estonia. Our meeting today is a natural continuation of my visit to both Israel and the Palestinian territories back in February.

Maintaining two-way communication and a frank debate is especially important in the difficult times faced by both Europe and the Middle East. Israel's decision to open an embassy in Tallinn is a clear sign of the strengthening of relations between our two countries.

It will contribute to closer cooperation in the political, security and economic spheres alike. Estonian-Israeli defence cooperation has also gained momentum in recent years. The business delegation accompanying President Herzog demonstrates an interest in deepening cooperation.

We discussed the situation in the Middle East in depth during our meeting. The conflict cannot carry on indefinitely without real solutions. Lasting peace and stability require the willingness and determined effort of all parties to contribute to achieving peace and reconciliation.

Estonia has always supported, and continues to support, a two-state solution in the Middle East. As Estonians, we know that a nation which yearns for independence cannot be denied it. But the prerequisite for achieving it is peace. That means both releasing hostages and respecting humanitarian law.

The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is deeply worrying. A large proportion of those killed have been civilians. This cannot, and must not, be the cost of fighting terrorists. It is not acceptable. It is essential that humanitarian aid reaches all those living in the Palestinian territories who need it. This must be achieved peacefully - not at the cost of civilian lives, especially those of children.

We also spoke about Russia's aggression against Ukraine. For Estonia, this is an issue which directly concerns our security in Europe. Ukraine not only needs political and economic assistance, but also military support: drones, and air defences to help protect its population and infrastructure.

Israel has taken a number of steps to provide assistance to the Ukrainians, but they need more. For this reason, I have called on Israel to take a more active role in supporting Ukraine by increasing pressure on Russia at the international level.

Conflicts in different parts of the world are linked. If we want our concerns about crises unfolding close to us to be understood, we have to understand what is happening in other parts of the world as well.

The way to resolve a crisis is by listening to all of the parties involved and speaking frankly. That was the spirit of my conversation with President Herzog today.

Thank you.