Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu makes first visit to Estonia

President of the Republic of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu is on an official visit to Estonia this week to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
This is the first high-level visit from the Maldives to Estonia and one of President Muizzu's first visits to Europe.
The trip focuses on creating opportunities for closer political relations and practical partnerships in the digital, cyber and e-governance fields, on climate and environmental issues and in science and education, a statement from President Alar Karis' office said.
On Monday, Muizzu met with Karis, Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200) and Minister of Climate Yoko Alender (Reform). A memorandum of cooperation for bilateral climate cooperation was signed between the countries. At an official dinner, Muizzu called the visit a "historic milestone" in the countries' cooperation.
On Tuesday, he received an overview of Estonian innovation and digital solutions and visit the e-Estonia Briefing Center. Muizzu will then meet with representatives from ministries and the Riigikogu.
On Wednesday, the president will visit Tartu to learn about the university's research and visit the Estonian Genome Project. He will also visit the Estonian National Museum.
President Muizzu will visit Estonia from January 13-16.

International law "crucial" for small states
On Tuesday, Muizzu met with Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry Jonatan Vseviov to discuss the global security situation and bilateral cooperation.
For small states like Estonia and the Maldives, it was crucial to stand up for the principles of international law, including the UN Charter, Vseviov said.
"A situation where a member of the Security Council is attacking its neighbour and encouraging other countries to question the rules-based international order is unacceptable," Vseviov said.
He added that security was a global issue, not a regional one, and we must meet challenges together.
Following their meeting, Vseviov and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel signed a memorandum on political consultations to boost relations between the two countries.
Muizzu met with Vseviov as Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) is on an official visit to Ukraine.

This article was updated to add comments from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov.
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Editor: Helen Wright