President Karis discusses Middle East conflict and Russian war of aggression with Egyptian counterpart

As part of an official visit to Egypt, President Alar Karis met yesterday with his counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss the importance of international cooperation in alleviating the ongoing security crises in Europe and the Middle East. The heads of state also spoke about boosting economic relations between Estonia and Egypt. Today President Karis will also be meeting with the Egyptian head of government Mostafa Madbouly.

President Karis stressed the importance of Egypt's role and actions as a broker of peace in the increasingly tense conflict in the Middle East. "It is vital that we resolve this crisis to ensure peace and security not only in this region, but around the world," he remarked. "It must not be allowed to escalate into a large-scale regional war or worse."

The heads of state discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the importance of the work done by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in assisting Gazan refugees throughout the region. President Karis said that a ceasefire must be secured as quickly as possible and that humanitarian aid must be made more accessible to those in need. He expressed disquiet at the obstruction of UNRWA's work in providing such assistance to the people of Gaza. "Banning the activities of an aid organisation deprives Gazan civilians suffering in the conflict not only of humanitarian aid, but also of support for school education," he noted.

Responding to an emergency appeal made by the United Nations, Estonia increased its support for humanitarian organisations like UNRWA, UNICEF and the World Food Programme in 2024.

The Estonian and Egyptian heads of state also spoke about Russia's war against Ukraine. President Karis reiterated that the international community needs to show strong support for Ukraine if Russia is to be forced into ending its war of aggression. He also urged Egypt to back the peace settlement proposed by the Ukrainians, which is based on the UN Charter.

President Karis described Egypt as a key partner to the EU and NATO in Europe's Southern Neighbourhood. "Those partnerships provide a strong basis for cooperation in the areas of trade, security and regional stability," he said. "Egypt also has an important role to play in curbing illegal migration from Africa to Europe."

The head of state says that Estonia and Egypt are eager to boost economic cooperation. "That is why I have been accompanied on this visit by a delegation of Estonian entrepreneurs in search of new opportunities," he explained. "Some Estonian companies are already operating on the Egyptian market, including in the mining and Mobility-as-a-Service sectors," he added.

President Karis says further opportunities for cooperation exist in the field of education, such as between universities, and noted that Egypt remains a popular destination for Estonian holidaymakers.

While in Cairo, President Karis also met with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Apostolic See of St Mark the Evangelist, as well as Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, visiting the Amr ibn al-Asi mosque before welcoming representatives of the political and business scenes in Egypt at a reception hosted by Estonia's honorary consul in the country, Motaz Raslan.

In Cairo with President Karis are representatives of companies from the IT, defence, health care, financial technology, energy, mining, construction and engineering sectors in Estonia: Eesti Energia, the Admiral Markets Group, Norvita, Scandinavian Exports, Bolt, Aton Resources, Ecomatic and the Go Group.

The official delegation also includes Magnus-Valdemar Saar, the director general of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, and Sandra Särav-Tammus, the Deputy Secretary General for Economy and Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.

Gallery (Office of the President of the Republic/Raigo Pajula): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQQki