Estonia and Bulgaria Support Further NATO Enlargement
18.11.2008
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin on Tuesday, 18 November. They discussed bilateral relations, the European Union, and matters related to energy and security policy. Other topics included relations with Russia and regional developments, including the situation in the Western Balkans.
The Estonian and Bulgarian foreign ministers dedicated a significant portion of time to talking about energy security. Paet stated that it is important that third countries accept similar guidelines to the EU in regards to restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. “This would prevent the risk of unfair competition,” said the Estonian foreign minister. “One solution we see is to involve electricity imported from third countries in the emission trading system,” he added. Paet also said that this would also help to create a true internal energy market. The Bulgarian foreign minister gave an overview of Bulgaria’s developments in the nuclear energy field, and stated that this could be a potential area for co-operation.
Paet and Kalfin also talked about relations with Russia. The Estonian foreign minister stated that dialogue and the relations outlined in the framework agreement between the EU and Russia are in everyone’s best interests for accomplishing goals and protecting principles and interests. “Negotiations do not in any way validate Russia’s behaviour in Georgia, which does not reflect the values and principles of the EU,” Paet asserted.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin gave an overview of developments in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed his satisfaction that Estonia and Bulgaria’s partnership in the European Union and NATO has brought intensity to bilateral relations and expanded areas of co-operation. “Bulgaria plays an important role in implementing the European Neighbourhood Policy both in the Black Sea region and in the Western Balkans,” Paet noted. “Helping along with social and economic development in neighbouring nations is also a priority of Estonia’s foreign policy, and our co-operation opportunities in this area are numerous,” he added.
They also discussed the further enlargement of the European Union and NATO. The two parties shared the opinion that NATO enlargement must continue in order to increase Europe’s area of values and security. “Joining NATO must be a possibility for all nations that share our common values and that are prepared to join,” said Foreign Minister Paet.
While talking about bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Paet expressed his satisfaction over Bulgaria’s decision to open an embassy in Tallinn and said he hopes that a residing ambassador to Estonia will be appointed soon.
Foreign Minister Paet will also be meeting with Bulgarian Vice President Angel Marin and deputy speaker of Parliament Ekaterina Mihajlova.
