Helen McEntee travels to Estonia for diplomatic talks

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, is travelling to Tallinn today, 9 September, to engage in high-level bilateral discussions. The visit is designed to align Irish and Estonian perspectives on critical European policy areas ahead of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

During her time in the Estonian capital, Minister McEntee will hold formal talks with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Their agenda includes a focus on the ongoing humanitarian and military support for Ukraine, the implementation of further sanctions against Russia, and the broader security landscape in the Middle East. Furthermore, the ministers will sign a joint letter of intent, formalising a partnership to provide ongoing assistance for healthcare and education services within Ukraine. Minister McEntee is also scheduled to meet with Kaimo Kuusk, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, to examine security and defence cooperation.

Looking ahead to the Irish presidency, Minister McEntee highlighted the importance of collaboration on the European competitiveness agenda and the negotiation of the next EU budget. She noted that Estonia remains a vital, like-minded partner in these efforts. Following the conclusion of her engagements in Tallinn this evening, the Minister will depart for Riga to conduct further meetings with her Latvian colleague, Minister Baiba Braže.