Hussar in Egypt: It is necessary to find a way to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) was on a visit to Egypt from Sunday until today. The meetings held during the visit focused on the interconnections between the conflicts in the Middle East and Iran and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, as well as on promoting bilateral cooperation.
During the high-level meetings held on Monday, President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar underlined that it was crucial to reach a diplomatic solution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible and in a way that caused minimal disruption to the global economy.
“The high oil prices resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are profitable primarily for Russia, who uses this money to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine. We must do everything in our power to continue supporting Ukraine and intensifying pressure on Russia,” he said.
Hussar and Egyptian officials also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations in the areas of trade, investments, digital cooperation, and education. “Among other things, Egypt is interested in our experience with e-services,” he added.
During the visit, Hussar met with Speaker of the House of Representatives of Egypt Hisham Badawi, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Sameh Shoukry, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, and had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly. He also had meetings with Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit, as well as with Nabil Fahmy who will take over this position at the beginning of July.
On Monday, Hussar also opened the new premises of the Estonian Embassy. In his speech, he emphasised that the Embassy was not merely a new building, but a symbol of the strengthening of relations between Estonia and Egypt, a symbol of growing trust, and of a shared commitment to closer cooperation.
“Although Estonia and Egypt are geographically distant, we are connected in more ways than can be imagined. One particularly beautiful and meaningful connection comes from nature. Every year, cranes migrate from Estonia to Egypt to spend the winter and return to Estonia in the spring to nest. Their journey quietly but persistently connects our two countries,” he said. Hussar added that just as cranes found their way back year after year, our countries were also finding new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, economic relations, education and culture. “These new premises will give us even better opportunities to strengthen and expand this bridge,” he said
The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Estonia in Egypt Ingrid Amer and the diplomats of several countries, partners, entrepreneurs, local Estonians, as well as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry.
Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
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