President Alar Karis met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. They discussed the conflict in the Middle East. Karis stated that Estonia supports the two-state solution, meaning Israel and Palestine would each have their own countries.
Karis emphasized that achieving peace requires the effort of all parties involved. He spoke about the dire situation in Gaza, where many civilians have been killed. Karis stressed that aid must reach everyone in need.
Karis called on Israel to increase its support for Ukraine. He mentioned that Ukraine needs more assistance and that Israel should increase pressure on Russia.
Isaac Herzog acknowledged that the two-state solution is currently challenging. He said that people need to talk and trust each other. Herzog showed photos of Hamas hostages and stated that terrorism hinders the achievement of peace.
Herzog also spoke about the Holocaust. He thanked Estonia for its fight against anti-Semitism and urged caution regarding images coming from Gaza.
Herzog affirmed that Israel supports Ukraine and discussed humanitarian aid and other forms of assistance.
After meeting with Karis, Herzog met with Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Herzog also visited a synagogue and the Jewish community, where they commemorated the victims of the Holocaust.
The Israeli delegation familiarized themselves with Estonia's e-state services and discussed economic cooperation. Karis's spouse met with Herzog's spouse, and they visited the Arvo Pärt Center.
This was Herzog's reciprocal visit. The Estonian president had visited Israel in February. Before Estonia, Herzog visited Latvia and Lithuania.