Following the meeting, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid signed a joint statement on further cooperation.
JOINT STATEMENT BY
THE PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY AND
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA KERSTI KALJULAID
26.11.2019
Tallinn
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid met today in Tallinn during an official visit of the President of Ukraine to Estonia.
The Presidents highlighted the extensive bilateral relations and a considerable potential for further development of cooperation. Having developed a strong partnership, Ukraine and Estonia share a vision of a Europe whole and free.
President Kaljulaid reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The Presidents reconfirmed their strong commitment to international law and the fundamental principles of international relations. They urged the Russian Federation to reverse its illegal occupation of Crimea and to stop its ongoing aggression in Donbas.
The Presidents agreed to streamline bilateral cooperation at the international fora, particularly during Estonia’s non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for 2020-2021, in order to promote multilateralism, respect for international law, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, also in view of addressing the consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy underlined the importance of humanitarian, financial, technical, and other assistance provided by Estonia, particularly, providing medical rehabilitation to Ukrainian soldiers wounded in Donbas.
The Presidents shared the view that comprehensive reforms in Ukraine improve living standards for Ukrainians, business environment and ensure sustainable economic growth. Thus, Ukraine will make a significant contribution into the European security and welfare. President Kaljulaid reaffirmed Estonia’s commitment to continue supporting Ukraine’s reform agenda and emphasized the importance of rule of law as the cornerstone of Ukraine’s development and success.
The Presidents agreed to intensify cooperation in the sphere of e-governance and digitalization of public sector, including by using the relevant Estonian experience and leadership in these domains.
The Presidents acknowledged the European aspirations of Ukraine and agreed on the importance to exploit fully the potential of the Association Agreement by continuing to implement its commitments, deepening sectoral integration and regulatory approximation between Ukraine and the EU.
The Presidents commended the ongoing consultations process about the future of the Eastern Partnership and agreed on the importance of setting the strategic goals of its development while reconfirming their commitment to the principles of differentiation, inclusivity and conditionality.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Estonia for a valuable support of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, as well as for Estonia's consistent support of Ukraine's efforts in reforming its security and defence sector according to NATO standards, military training and cooperation on cybersecurity.
The Presidents underlined the necessity to cooperate further in the field of energy security and emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement at the trilateral gas talks, taking into account Ukraine's interests as a transit country for gas exports.
The Presidents stated that humanitarian and cultural cooperation remain an important part of bilateral agenda, aiming at facilitating people-to-people contacts, developing new initiatives, and implementing joint projects in the spheres of education, health care, tourism, and others.
