President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with the new Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, on his first day of work, wishing him strength for the prosperity of his country.
“Estonia is one of our most principled allies. We are grateful that the annual defense support of Ukraine remains at the level of 0.25% of GDP. It has a long-term strategic nature and is an excellent example for other partners”, – Zelensky wrote in his Telegram channel based on the results of the conversation.
As the president reported, Kristen Michal assured him of maintaining Ukraine’s support on the way to the EU and NATO.
The parties also discussed the continuation of cooperation, in particular between the defense companies of both countries, and agreed to meet at the first opportunity.
“On my first day in the office, I spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyi. Thank you, dear Volodymyr, for your warm wishes. Estonia’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. Your victory is our common goal. European security is at stake,” – wrote the prime minister in the social network Kh.
Michal stressed that Estonia will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 0.25% of GDP.
Estonia’s new government was sworn in at an extraordinary session of parliament on Tuesday, July 23, and the cabinet is now considered to have taken office.
The Cabinet of Ministers was headed by Kristen Michal, a member of the board of the leading ruling Reform Party. Previously, he held the positions of the Minister of Climate, Economy and Infrastructure, and Justice in various government structures. He was repeatedly elected as a member of parliament.
The new government was formed in connection with the resignation of Prime Minister Kaya Callas, who became a candidate for the position of high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy. According to Estonian legislation, with the resignation of the prime minister, the entire former government also resigned. The new coalition, like the previous one, will consist of the same three parties: the Reform Party, the Social Democrats and Estonia 200.
In the future government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Internal Affairs Lauri Laanemets and some other heads of departments will retain their positions.
