Deputy Secretary General for Legal and Consular Affairs Kerli Veski visited Ankara, Turkey, on March 4, where she met with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Levent Gümrükçü and Director General for International Law Kaan Esener to discuss bilateral relations between Estonia and Turkey, including the fight against impunity, sanctions policy, and legal issues related to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation in upholding and protecting international law, preventing impunity, and avoiding circumvention of EU sanctions. Veski emphasized that Russia’s aggression poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also more broadly to Europe and NATO, of which both Estonia and Turkey are members.
“If we want lasting peace, we must continue to pressure Russia on the battlefield, politically, and economically,” Veski said, adding that sanctions have a clear impact on Russia’s economy and its ability to wage war against Ukraine.
Discussions also covered the protection of critical infrastructure and limiting the shadow fleet, where Estonia continues to cooperate extensively with Baltic Sea countries, as well as with other allies and partners.
In addition to representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Veski also met with the Head of the European Union Delegation, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski. Veski emphasized that Turkey is an important strategic partner of the European Union, and cooperation is essential to ensuring European security.
_________
Communications Department
@MFAestonia