THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT: The Presidents of Malta and Estonia confirm the good bilateral relations between the two countries

The engagements of President George Vella in Estonia began with official talks with the President of Estonia Alar Karis at the President’s Office in Kadriorg, Tallinn.

President Vella and President Karis confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Malta and Estonia that began 30 years ago. At a press conference at the end of the meeting, President Vella stated that relations continued to strengthen as both countries became members of the European Union in 2004. He said that his presence in Tallinn and his meeting with President Karis attest to Malta’s commitment to continue strengthening these relations in new areas of cooperation such as education and culture.

At the meeting, the Presidents discussed in detail the war in Ukraine and its impact on Estonia and on global stability. Reiterating his condemnation of the military action and aggression in Ukraine, the President remarked, among others, on the war’s negative effect on international trade, energy sources, as well as food shortages.

President Vella also spoke about developments in the Mediterranean region, immigration, and in particular the instability persisting in Libya. “The international community should not relegate these issues to a secondary level of urgency and fail to react in a time of crisis”, warned the President.

For his part, President Karis said that Malta is an important partner for Estonia in the Mediterranean region. He stated that Estonia fully understands the complexity of the immigration crisis.

President Vella and President Karis discussed issues related to the European Union and the Conference on the Future of Europe, and its Enlargement, as well as the importance that citizens remain at the heart of this process. During the meeting, the President updated President Karis on the latest preparations for the meeting of the Non-Executive Presidents of the EU – known as the ‘Arraiolos Group’, which will take place in Malta on 6th October this year.

President Vella had separate meetings with the Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas and with the President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas. The President also placed flowers at the Victims of Communism Memorial.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister