WT/MIN(24)/ST/100  
26 February  2024 
(24-1632) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MS MARIIN RATNIK  
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS  
ESTONIA  
The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi takes place at a crucial time. The world continues 
to face numerous difficulties that influence economies all across the world. In these uncertain times, 
it is important to emphasize the critical role of the multilateral trading system in creating prosperity 
and growth. As a small and open economy, Estonia continues to be a strong supporter of a libe ral 
and rules -based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core.  
The WTO 's function as a critical component of the rules -based international economic system is 
especially important for Estonia. We understand what it means to be occupied and how i t feels to be 
cut off from the rest of the world. Unfortunately, we are currently witnessing a major crisis of the 
rules-based international order, as Russia continues to blatantly violate Ukraine 's sovereignty and 
territorial integrity.  
On 24 February 20 24 – just two days before the start of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference – we 
will mark 2 years since Russia launched its full -scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to br eak 
the fundamental principles of the United Nations by employing brutal force  to change borders in 
Europe. The violation of Ukraine 's territorial integrity by Russia has challenged international law and 
norms, undercutting the foundations upon which the WTO was created. In fact, Russia 's behaviour 
is in direct violation of the WTO 's key foundation principles, as the General Agreement on Tariffs and 
Trade, established soon after Second World War, was founded on the concept that a multilateral 
trading system contributes to worldwide stability and peace.  
Considering this, Estonia cont inues to call on Russia to immediately cease its aggression, withdraw 
its troops from the whole territory of Ukraine and to fully comply with its obligations under 
international law. We reaffirm our unwavering support to Ukraine 's independence, sovereignty  and 
territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.  
In these challenging times, it is critical to remember that trade can be used as an engine of 
prosperity, sustainable development, and poverty reduction. The international rules -based system 
must also have the ability to arbitrate trade disagreements that may emerge amongst WTO 
Members. Estonia highlights that the WTO has to serve as the principal institution for addressing 
and resolving international trade disputes. We must use every  effort to ensure that the WTO 's 
fundamental components  – including the resolution of trade disputes  – are robust and fully 
functioning.  Therefore, the WTO must continue to be strengthened as the primary institution for 
addressing and resolving internation al trade disputes.  
It is also important to address the needs and challenges of developing countries, particularly 
least developed countries, and their integration into the rules -based multilateral trading system. In 
this, we highly welcome the accession of  Comoros and Timor -Leste into the WTO.  
Recent studies1 have also shown that the application of customs duties to electronic transmissions 
would have detrimental economic effects particularly for developing countries. Estonia knows 
firsthand how digitalization can benefit economies. It is therefore important t o ensure that all 
 
1 By the OECD and ECIPE (European Centre for International Political Economy) . WT/MIN(24)/ST/100  
 
- 2 - 
 
  electronic transmissions continue to be free of custom duties. Estonia is in favor of extending the 
moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.  
We also need to acknowledge the climate crisis that threatens our entire planet.  Estonia is a strong 
supporter of the green transition to more climate neutral and environmentally friendly economies. 
Trade has an important part to play in addressing climate change. It is therefore important to pursue 
a strong environmental agenda also in the WTO. In this context, we underline the need to deliver 
on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6. Estonia supports an effective agreement on fisheries 
subsidies by MC13.  
To conclude, the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi must give a new  impetus to the WTO 
and send a strong message about the continued importance of this Organization. Estonia hopes that 
the outcome of MC13 gives WTO the necessary push to meet the challenges we face in the global 
multilateral trading system today. We have t o do everything in our powers to guarantee that all the 
pillars of the WTO are well functioning and strong. This will ensure that everybody benefits from 
trade during this difficult time.  
__________