Minister: Estonia Will Never Recognize Georgia's Occupied Territories

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu says that his country will never recognize Georgia’s two breakaway and Russian-backed territories – Abkhazia and South Ossetia - as independent countries.

Reinsalu made the statement during his conversation on the phone with his Georgian counterpart, David Zalkaliani.

“Abkhazia and South Ossetia are an inseparable part of Georgia and this must be respected. Estonia will never recognize the occupation of these territories,” he stressed.

He also noted that Estonia and Georgia are very close partners and we enjoy great cooperation in nearly all areas.

“We continue to firmly support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, including by sharing our own experiences with carrying out reforms,” Foreign Minister of Estonia added.

Estonian Foreign Ministry reports that the two ministers will have a chance to meet for the first time at the high-level Eastern Partnership conference held in Brussels on 14 May and dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership.

Zalkaliani congratulated the newly appointed Estonian Foreign Minister on taking office.

By Thea Morrison