"Since the start of the pandemic, Estonia has advocated for the UN Security Council to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on peace and security. Therefore, we are particularly glad that the UN Security Council has finally decided to support the secretary-general's call for a global ceasefire," Reinsalu said. 

He noted that the resolution does not only have symbolic value, instead it is a text valid under international law. "The Security Council must now regularly monitor compliance and send a clear message to the parties of conflicts," Reinsalu said. The secretary-general of the UN will also regularly update the Security Council on the ceasefire. 

1/2 At today's #UNSC meeting on pandemics & security, welcomed yesterday's unanimous adoption of UNSC resolution on global ceasefire in relation to #COVID19.

Important to now translate this into action in close cooperation w/ SG @antonioguterres. #EstoniaUNSC pic.twitter.com/T5I9837W3n

— Urmas Reinsalu (@UrmasReinsalu) July 2, 2020

In his statement at the debate, held in the framework of the German Presidency, Reinsalu noted that the pandemic had clearly highlighted how crucial it was to have a safe and reliable digital infrastructure and cyberspace. Cyberattacks on hospitals have been particularly concerning.

"These attacks will not remain unnoticed," the foreign minister said, highlighting the special event organized under the Estonian Presidency of the UN Security Council on the importance of responsible state behavior in cyberspace as a notable development. 

He also called on countries to join the Declaration on Digital Response to COVID-19 launched by Estonia and Singapore. 

The foreign minister expressed concern over the pandemic being used as a pretext to call for the termination of sanctions or to impede access to humanitarian aid. He said it was of importance to extend and widen the UN cross-border aid mechanism in July. 

The full statement of the resolution can be found here.

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