Ambassadors from the Netherlands, South Korea, Serbia and Qatar present letters of credentials to President Karis

President Alar Karis was presented with the letters of credentials of Dutch ambassador Sander van der Sluis, South Korean ambassador Kim Ileung, Serbian ambassador Aleksandar Janković and Qatari ambassador Mohammed Abdulla Mohammed Khamis Al-Jabir in Kadriorg today.

President Karis spoke with the Dutch ambassador on strengthening bilateral relations, primarily in the field of defence cooperation. The head of state thanked the Netherlands for its contribution to security in our region and to the air policing mission starting in Ämari in December. Also discussed were continued support for Ukraine and the peace process.

In meeting with the South Korean ambassador, President Karis expressed his delight at the country opening an embassy in Tallinn. He also acknowledged the bilateral relations between Estonia and South Korea, which have developed rapidly in recent years, and closer defence ties between the countries, touching on Ukraine and the security situation on the Korean peninsula.

Accepting the letter of credentials of the Serbian ambassador, President Karis said that Estonia supports stronger cooperation and joint action by the EU in the Western Balkans. He remarked that it was important to counter the malign influence and disinformation of Russia and China in the region and beyond. Also discussed were digital and cyber cooperation between Estonia and Serbia.

In talks with the Qatari ambassador, President Karis advocated for closer economic cooperation and thanked the country for its efforts in supporting Ukraine, particularly in mediating the return of deported children and hostages and providing humanitarian aid.

The Dutch and South Korean ambassadors are based in Tallinn, while the Serbian and Qatari ambassadors reside in Helsinki.