News

Estonian Embassy in Cairo Began Processing Visa Applications
No. 263–E As of the beginning of September, the Estonian Embassy in Cairo will begin accepting applications for visas to travel to Estonia. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that the embassy ...

Estonian Rescuers to Help Residents of Flooded Pakistan
No 262-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting two experts from the Rescue Board as they embark to help Pakistan, which has suffered from heavy flooding. As part of an international team, the Estonian experts ...

Foreign Ministry Supports Film Market at Black Nights Film Festival
No. 261-E While meeting with director of the Black Nights Film Festival Tiina Lokk, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet talked about co-operation opportunities for introducing Estonian culture and film. Foreign ...

International eHealth conference "Have an eExperience in Tallinn", October 13-15
An international conference on eHealth “Have an eExperience in Tallinn” will be held on October 13–15, 2010 in Tallinn, Estonia. The Conference is organized by the Estonian eHealth Foundation ...

Young Estonian designers exhibition opened at Ministry of Foreign Affairs
No. 257-E Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet and Academy of Arts rector Signe Kivi opened the SÄSI young designers exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Paet said that new design by ...

Professor Mart Kalm to deliver lecture on Estonian architecture; Resonabilis performs in Helsinki
No 258-E On Tuesday, 31 August at 5pm, Alvar Aalto Foundation and the Estonian Embassy in Finland present a lecture by Estonian Academy of Arts professor Mart Kalm on the topic “Modernism in Estonia: ...

Estonian ambassador to Finland presents credentials
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FM Paet: Nordic-Baltic report includes 38 specific cooperation proposals
No. 260-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Baltic states and the Nordic countries in Riga that the proposals contained in the Nordic-Baltic cooperation report ...

Nordic and Baltic Foreign Ministers meeting begins
26 August 2010 Today and tomorrow, Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet will be participating at the meeting of the foreign ministers of Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Norway; Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, ...

Paet: EU should receive observer status in Arctic Council
No. 252-E At his meeting in Oslo with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving ...

Foreign Minister Paet on visit to Norway
No 251-E On Wednesday, 18 August, Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet is on a visit to the Kingdom of Norway. Paet says that cooperation between Estonia and Norway is close in various fields. "I ...

Secretary General Kokk: Estonia to send first diplomat to Sub-Saharan Africa
No 249-E On Friday, 13 August, in Helsinki, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Marten Kokk and his Finnish counterpart, Foreign Ministry Secretary of State Pertti Torstila, signed an agreement ...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives Estonia's London Embassy archive to State Archive
No. 250-E The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will transfer to the State Archives documents from Estonia's London Embassy from the years 1919 and 1924-1989. The records include political, consular and culture-related ...

Estonia to provide assistance to families left homeless by forest fires in Russia
Nr 248-E The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to provide 100,000 euros of assistance to people who have lost homes and property in Russia in the wake of wildfires in Russia. Minister of Foreign ...

Estonia to help build sport facilities and playgrounds for displaced young Georgians
11 August 2010 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is helping improve the living conditions of displaced young people in Georgia by building play and sports grounds in their villages. Minister of Foreign ...

Estonia helping Russia to put out wildfires
No. 246-E Estonia will be sending Russia equipment to help put out the extensive wildfires in the country after Russia decided to accept the offer from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister ...

Estonia to help in relief effort in Pakistan
245-E The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contribute 64,000 euros through the UN World Food Programme toward easing the plight of the victims of flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan. Minister ...

Estonia prepared to assist Russia in battling wildfires
No. 244-E Estonia is prepared to send rescue equipment to the government of the Russian Federation to assist in fighting widespread forest fires. Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet says ...

Youth mobility agreement between Estonia and Canada to enter force
Nr 243-E 1 August marks the entry into force of a youth mobility agreement between Estonia and Canada, which gives Estonian and Canadian citizens aged 18-35 an opportunity to live and work in each other’s ...

Estonian health care expert awarded NATO medal for her work in Afghanistan
Nr 242-E NATO today awarded the treaty organization’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) medal to Estonian health care expert Anu Raisma for her work in developing the health care sector ...

Estonia prepared to support Iceland in accession negotiations with the European Union
Nr 241-E 26 July 2010 Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet has expressed satisfaction with the European Union’s decision to approve the framework for negotiations for Iceland’s accession ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Appreciates USA’s Non-Recognition Policy
Nr 240 –E Tomorrow, 23 July, will mark 70 years since the Welles Declaration, with which the United States of America publicly announced that it did not recognise Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as ...

National Experts Shared Cyber Security Recommendations with UN Secretary General
Nr 238 – E Last week the UN task force of national experts called “Developments in Information and Communication Technology in the Context of International Security” finished its work ...

Estonia Helping Moldova Handle Aftermath of Flooding
Nr 239 – E Estonia is sending both technical aid and two crisis experts to help Moldova come to terms with the aftermath of the major flooding that took place there in July. The aid is being financed ...

Estonia Supports Starting to Transfer Responsibility for Security to Afghanistan
Nr 237-E At the international conference in Kabul focused on the future of Afghanistan, the Afghan government introduced a detailed action plan that outlines how they will improve the nation’s socio-economic ...

Estonia Shares Experiences on Preparing for e-Elections with Macedonia*
Nr 236-E This month specialists from the e-Governance Academy will be in Macedonia to carry out the development project, supported by the Estonian Foreign Ministry, to create the capability for electronic ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Kazakhstan Important Partner for Estonia in Central Asia
Nr 235 – E At his meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that an Estonian consul has started work in Astana, marking the first time an Estonian diplomat ...

Foreign Minister Paet Addressed Estonian Economic Relations with Colleagues
Nr 234 – E 18 July 2010 Within the framework of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Almaty, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met ...

OSCE Must Focus on Resolving Protracted Conflicts
Nr 233 – E 17 July 2010 Foreign Minister Urmas Paet gave a speech on the future of security in Europe during the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Participate in Meeting of OSCE Foreign Ministers in Kazakhstan
Nr 232-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in the security policy meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) beginning today in Almaty, ...

Estonian Ambassador to Belgium Presents Credentials
Nr 231 – E Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the Kingdom of Belgium Mariin Ratnik presented her credentials to King of the Belgians Albert II today, 14 July. In the discussion that followed ...

Estonia Presents Review on Fulfilment of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Nr 230-E Yesterday and today an Estonian delegation gave a presentation on Estonia’s third review on its fulfilment of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the UN Human Rights Committee ...

Arvo Pärt’s music again in Istanbul
Nr 38-TT On 16 July, girls’ choir Ellerhein directed by Mrs Tiia-Ester Loitme will introduce the highlights of Estonian choral music to Istanbul. Ellerhein who is in Turkey for an international youth ...

Estonian Experts Evaluated Use of Humanitarian Aid in Haiti
Nr 229-E Estonian humanitarian aid experts assessed the distribution of humanitarian aid in post-earthquake Haiti along with experts from Ireland, the USA and Canada. During the mission, which took place ...

Foreign Ministry Supports Victims of Natural Disasters and Conflict Situations
Nr 228-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) with a 900 000 kroon (57 520 EUR) donation. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia has supported international ...

UN Development Aid System to Become More Effective and Agency for Gender Equality and Women’s Rights to Be Created As Result of Estonia-Led Negotiations
Yesterday, 2 July, the UN General Assembly approved a decision that contains steps for making the UN’s development aid system more effective and will give a significant boost to achieving the UN ...

Foreign Minister Paet Spoke at UN Economic and Social Council
Nr 226-E In his speech at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that a society that violates and disrespects women’s rights is above all hurting itself, because ...

Foreign Minister Paet Discussed Sharing Story of Estonia’s Re-Independence in USA with Director of “The Singing Revolution”
Nr 225 - E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in New York with the director of the film “The Singing Revolution” James Tusty. Paet spoke with Tusty about the films the latter has made, through ...

Estonia To Send New Health Care Expert to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province
Nr 224 – E In July the Foreign Ministry will send a new health care expert to Helmand Province in Afghanistan to co-ordinate Estonia’s development co-operation. Estonia’s new health care ...

Estonia Focuses on Protection of Human Right in UN Economic and Social Council
Nr 223 - E The high-level session of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that began is New York is focused on human rights, including the protection of the rights of women. Estonia is also a member ...

Estonia Supports UN Activities to Protect Indigenous Peoples
Nr 222 – E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the activities of the UN and its sub-organisations that protect the indigenous peoples of the world in order to guarantee that the organisations and ...

NATO Planning Crisis Management Exercise in Tallinn
Nr 221 – E From today until Friday the planning conference for the NATO Crisis Management Exercise CMX 2011will take place in Tallinn. The planning conference will prepare the training that will ...

New Finnish Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi to Make Introductory Visit to Estonia
Nr 37-TT New Finnish Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi will make her first visit to Estonia on Wednesday, 30 June. Within the course of her visit, the Finnish prime minister will meet with her colleague Andrus ...

Estonia Supports Study Opportunities for Young Belarusians
Nr 220 – E The Estonian Foreign Ministry is helping to provide Belarusian university students with opportunities to study in the European Union by donating 200 000 kroons (12 780 EUR) to support ...

Foreign Ministry Supporting Summer Holiday in Estonia for Young Georgian Refugees
Nr 219 - E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the summer camp being held in Estonia next week for Georgian youth ages 14-16. The young people coming to Estonia have been forced to live as internally displaced ...

Foreign Minister Paet: We Hope for Vigorous Accession Negotiations During Belgium’s European Union Presidency
Nr 218-E At the meeting of European Union foreign ministers held in Brussels at the invitation of the foreign minister of the next European Union Presidency Belgium, Steven Vanackere, Foreign Minister ...

Foreign Minister Paet Made Proposal to Finnish Colleague to Create Baltic Sea Internal Market
Nr 217-E During his meeting in Tallinn today with Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that creating a Baltic Sea internal market would be in the interest of closer ...

Estonia Giving Humanitarian Aid to Victims of Kyrgyzstan Conflict
Nr 215-E 19 June 2010 The Foreign Ministry is providing aid to people forced to leave their homes due to violent ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan by donating 1.5 million kroons (96 000 EUR) through the Office ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Supports Right to Self-Determination for Palestine
Nr 213-E At his meeting with Foreign Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Riad Malki today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Estonia supports the right to self-determination for the ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Better Standard of Life in Moldova Will Help to Resolve Transnistria Conflict
Nr 215-E At his meeting in Tallinn today with Moldovan Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said Moldova’s rapid economic and political development could have a positive influence ...

Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb to Visit Estonia
Nr 36-TT 18 June 2010 On Monday, 21 June, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb will be on a working visit in Estonia upon the invitation of Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. The Finnish ...

Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb to Visit Estonia
Nr 36-TT 18 June 2010 On Monday, 21 June, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb will be on a working visit in Estonia upon the invitation of Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. The Finnish ...

Estonia-Brazil Relations Would be Further Intensified by Visa Freedom for Estonian Citizens
Nr 212 – E During his meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim today, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that hopefully citizens of all European Union nations will soon have visa-free ...

Estonia Welcomes Croatia to European Union
Nr 211-E In Zagreb today, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk and Croatian experts working with European Union issues discussed the enlargement of the union and matters related to Croatia’s ...

Exhibit of New Estonian Design “Fresh Takes” Opened in Estonian Embassy in Helsinki
Nr 208-E On Wednesday, 16 June, an exhibit of new Estonian product designs called “Fresh Takes” will be opened in the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki. The display, which was done in co-operation ...

Estonian and Palestinian Foreign Ministers Discuss Situation in Middle East in Tallinn
Nr 209 – E Today in Tallinn Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Foreign Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Riad Malki will sign the protocol for holding political consultations ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Baden-Württemberg Decided to Make Estonia One of Six Primary Economic Co-operation Partners
Nr 210 – E While meeting with entrepreneurs of the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the close ties between Estonia and Baden-Württemberg will ...

Foreign Minister of Moldova to Visit Estonia
Nr 35-TT Moldovan Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca will be in Estonia for an official visit tomorrow, 18 June. The Moldovan foreign minister also has meetings scheduled with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Spoke With British Colleague William Hague About Estonia-Britain Relations
Nr 206 – E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in Luxembourg with the new Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom William Hague, with whom he discussed Estonia-Great Britain co-operation in Afghanistan ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Spoke With British Colleague William Hague About Estonia-Britain Relations
Nr 206 – E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in Luxembourg with the new Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom William Hague, with whom he discussed Estonia-Great Britain co-operation in Afghanistan ...

European Union Anti-Piracy Operation in Somalia to be Extended
Nr 205-E At the meeting of foreign ministers that took place in Luxembourg on Monday, 14 June, the foreign ministers of the European Union nations confirmed the European Union perspective of the Western ...

Foreign Minister Paet: European Union to Help Victims of Kyrgyzstan Conflict
Nr 204-E On Monday, 14 June, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, where developments in Kyrgyzstan and the Middle East as well as ...

Estonian, German, Latvian and Lithuanian Foreign Ministers: There Are Many Opportunities to Develop European Union-Russia Relations
Nr 199-E Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed European Union-Russia relations, matters related to Eastern Partnership, international relations with Iran, and developments in Afghanistan ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Discuss Iran Nuclear Issue with European Union Colleagues
Nr 201-E Tomorrow, 14 June, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg. At the meeting, the European Union foreign ministers will discuss ...

German Foreign Minister Westerwelle Recognised Estonia’s Fulfilment of Euro Criteria in Meeting with Foreign Minister Paet
Nr 200-E German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, in Tallinn for a visit, said during his meeting with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet that Germany has firmly supported Estonia adopting the euro because ...

International Criminal Court Given Right to Prosecute Crimes of Aggression
Nr 201–E On 12 June, the Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court approved the decision that creates an opportunity for crimes of aggression to be prosecuted by the ...

Second Book of Max Jakobson Commission’s Review to be Unveiled and State Decoration to be Presented to Sofi Oksanen at Finnish National Archives
Nr 203-E At 15.00 today, 14 June, the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki will present the second book of the Estonian International Commission for Investigating Crimes Against Humanity, “Estonia Since ...

Temporary consular mission to Kazakhstan
Nr 32-TT From 25 June until 27 August 2010 a temporary consular mission will be sent to Kazakhstan. During the consular mission residents of Kazakhstan will be able to apply for visas to Estonia. Estonian ...

Estonia Continues to Support Reconstruction and Security in Afghanistan
Nr 196-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet gave the government an overview of the implementation of Estonia’s foreign and defence policy as well as military and domestic activities in Afghanistan. “Estonia ...

Estonia Helps Create e-Voting System for Parliament of Afghanistan
Nr 195-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the project of the e-Governance Academy through which an electronic information system is being created for the parliament of Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Urmas ...

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Opens Estonian Honorary Consulate in Brno
Nr 190-E Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Brno, Czech Republic on Friday, 4 June. The Estonian honorary consul in Brno is Vladimír Bulinský. Marten ...

Estonian Ambassador to Romania Opens Honorary Consulate in Bucharest
Nr 194-E Today, 8 June, Estonian Ambassador to Romania Taavi Toom opened the first Estonian Honorary Consulate in Bucharest. The Estonian honorary consul in Bucharest is Ingrid Cristea Vendelin. Ambassador ...

Foreign Ministry Quiz Winners to Visit Estonia from USA, Russia
Nr-188 E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet randomly selected the winners of the Foreign Ministry’s Estonia-themed web-based spring quiz on Tuesday, 3 June. The grand prizes of the Foreign Ministry’s ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Discussed Establishment of IT Agency with European Parliament Co-Rapporteur Alexander Alvaro
Nr 189 – E Today in Tallinn Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with co-rapporteur of the European Parliament Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee Alexander Alvaro, with whom he discussed ...

Estonia Training Afghan Diplomats
Nr 191 – E This coming week a training session organised in co-operation by the Foreign Ministry and the Estonian School of Diplomacy will begin in Tallinn. During the training, ten diplomats from ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Becoming OECD Member is Recognition of Estonia’s Development
Nr 186 -E During his meeting with Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurría in Tallinn today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that ...

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Discussed Formation of EU Foreign Service with Czech Colleagues
Nr 187-E Today, 3 June, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk, in the Czech Republic for a visit, met with Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Galuska and Deputy Minister and Secretary ...

Foreign Ministry Secretary Geneal in Sarajevo: Full EU Membership is Only Conceivable Future for Western Balkans
Nr 185-E On Wednesday, 2 June, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk participated in the high-level meeting of the European Union and Western Balkan states that took place in Sarajevo, where the ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Has Freedom to Commemorate and Obligation to Remember All Victims of the Holocaust
Nr 184-E Today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the opening of a memorial stone at the former Tallinn Prison building. The stone is dedicated to the memory of the French Jews deported to Estonia ...

Estonian Embassy Receives “Estonia” Piano from Estonian and Finnish Entrepreneurs and Other Friends of Estonia in Finland
Nr 183 – E On the evening of 1 June a formal concert took place in the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki to celebrate the presentation of a baby grand piano made by the “Estonia” piano factory ...

Estonia Acknowledges Discussions Held at EU-Russia Summit
Nr 182 – E Foreign Minister Paet stated that the summit that took place on 31 May and 1 June in Rostov was an important opportunity to discuss the state of the European Union’s relations with ...

Statement of Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Regarding Incident with Aid Ships Headed to Gaza
Nr 181–E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia condemns the incident that took place with the ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip and ended with the loss of human life. Estonia expresses ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met with Director General of UNESCO
Nr 180 -E At his meeting with Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted that Estonia feels its participation in the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is very important. “Estonia’s ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Desires Visa Freedom with Brazil
Nr 179-E At his meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorimi in Rio de Janeiro, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed matters related to visa freedom between the European Union and Brazil, as ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met with Minister of State for External Affairs of India
Nr 178-E At his meeting with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet spoke about the need to conclude an agreement for the protection of investments and ...

Secretary General of OECD Angel Gurría to Visit Estonia
Nr 176-E Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurría will be in Estonia for an official visit from 2-3 June. Within the framework of ...

Estonian Embassy in Riga Presented Latvia with Book Designed by Raul Meel, “Solomon’s Song of Songs”
Nr 177-E On Friday, 28 May, Estonian Ambassador to Latvia Jaak Jõerüüt presented the Latvian National Museum of Art and Latvian National Library with copies of the book designed by Raul ...

Estonia Sent First Aid Kits to Helmand Province in Afghanistan
Nr 175-E Within the framework of a development co-operation project funded by the Foreign Ministry, the NPO Mondo and the Estonian Defence Forces sent 1 500 first aid kits to Afghanistan, which are meant ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Discussed Visa Freedom for Estonian Citizens with Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Laos
Nr 174-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with the foreign ministers of Singapore, Cambodia and Laos while in Madrid. With Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Foreign ...

Foreign Minister Paet Invited EU and Southeast Asian Nations to Co-operate in Backing Cyber Defence
Nr 173-E At the meeting of European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Madrid, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that over the years co-operation between ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Participate in Meeting of EU and Southeast Asian Foreign Ministers
Nr 172-E Tomorrow, 26 May, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in the meeting of European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Madrid. Foreign Minister ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Eastern Partnership States Closer to European Union Than Ever Before
Nr 170-E At the informal meeting of the European Union and Eastern Partnership foreign ministers in Sopot, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that European Union enlargement has brought the six Eastern ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Contributes to Fight Against Effects of Climate Change
Nr 168-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet gave a speech on the effects of climate change and Estonia’s aid to developing nations at the World Day event on Vabaduse Square on Saturday, 22 May. Foreign ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Environmental Friendliness is Essential Part of Every State’s Economic Competitiveness
Nr 164-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet spoke at the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of a conference on opportunities for environmentally friendly enterprise and Estonia’s contribution ...

Estonian Ambassador to Monaco Presents Credentials
Nr 166-E Estonian Ambassador to the Principality of Monaco Margus Rava presented his credentials to Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi on Thursday, 20 March. In the discussion following the ...

Foreign Minister Paet at Senior Courses in National Defence: Partners Notice Estonia’s Contributions
Nr 167 – E Foreign Minister Paet, when speaking at the Senior Courses in National Defence today, noted that Estonia’s foreign and security policy contributions are noticed by our partners and ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet to Discuss Intensification of Eastern Partnership with EU Foreign Ministers
Nr 169-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in the informal meeting of the European Union and EU Eastern Partnership foreign ministers on 24 May in Sopot. The European Union foreign ministers ...

Estonia Expert to Direct Humanitarian Aid Camp in Haiti
With the support of the Foreign Ministry, Enn Eberg, a member of the Estonian Rescue Team, will go to Haiti to direct the camp of the World Food Programme Humanitarian aid mission. Eberg will be the director ...

Estonia Helps Serbia Develop e-Capabilities
The Foreign Ministry is supporting a project of the e-Governance Academy that aims to share Estonia’s experiences with implementing a portal that brings together electronic databases (X-Road) with ...

Estonia Now Has Sixth Honorary Consul in Sweden
Monday, 17 May, Minister of Economics and Communications Juhan Parts and Estonian Ambassador to Sweden Alar Streimann opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Karlstadt, Sweden. The Estonian honorary ...

Estonia Supports Main Principles of NATO’s New Strategic Concept
Today the group of experts working on formulating the basis for a new Strategic Concept for NATO, led by former Secretary of State of the United States of America Madeleine Albright, presented its report ...

Foreign Minister Opened Exhibit “Convoy no. 73—Convoy with a Singular Fate”
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the exhibit in the Museum of Occupations entitled “Convoy no. 73—Convoy with a Singular Fate”, which is dedicated to memory of the 900 French Jews who ...

Estonia Helps Development of e-Services in Palestine
The Foreign Ministry is supporting two projects of the e-Governance Academy to increase the e-capabilities of the Palestinian Authority. The e-Governance Academy is helping to develop a portal that brings ...

Council of Europe Needs Reform to Better Fulfil its Responsibilities
On Tuesday, 11 May, a meeting of the foreign ministers of the members of the Council of Europe will take place in Strasbourg. Estonia was represented at the meeting by Foreign Ministry Secretary General ...

Riigikogu Approved New International Sanctions Law
Today, 12 May, the Riigikogu approved a new international sanctions law that regulates the enforcement, implementation and monitoring of international sanctions in Estonia. Foreign Minister Urmas ...

Foreign Ministry Receives Portrait of Former Honorary Consul in the Netherlands
On 12 May Vera Assel-Stahl, the granddaughter of the Estonian honorary consul in the Netherlands before World War II Carel Frederik Marie Stahl, came to Tallinn along with current Estonian Honorary Consul ...

Young Georgian and Moldovan Diplomats Start Studies at Estonian School of Diplomacy
The Foreign Ministry is providing scholarships for two Georgian and two Moldovan diplomats to study in a two-semester training programme at the Estonian School of Diplomacy during the 2010/2011 academic ...

World Bank President Robert Zoellick Recognised Estonia’s Success in Coming to Terms with Economic Crisis
Nr 152 – E At his meeting in Washington with World Bank President Robert Zoellick, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia is ready to contribute to the World Bank’s projects more than ...

Estonia Receives Invitation to Join OECD
Nr 155–E Today, 10 May, Secretary General of the OECD Angel Gurría announced that Estonia will receive an invitation to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ...

European Union Foreign Ministers Confirm Positions for EU-Russia Summit
Nr 154-E On Monday, 10 May, Foreign Minister Paet participated in a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, where the upcoming European Union-Russia summit was discussed and issues ...

Decision to Give NATO MAP to Bosnia and Herzegovina Made in Tallinn
Nr 129-E The NATO foreign ministers decided in Tallinn today to give a Membership Action Plan (MAP) to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first phase of the plan can begin when defence-related property is under ...

Estonia Supports Tough Monitoring of Nuclear Developments
Nr 151 – E Meeting with executive secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Tibor Toth in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said ...

Estonia Supports Advancing Nuclear Safety Monitoring
Nr 150-E At the Review Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the restriction of nuclear arms must take place alongside the formulation of ...

Estonia Supports Rapid Accession of Western Balkans to European Union
Nr 149-E On Tuesday, 4 May, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk met with Chief Negotiator for Accession Negotiations with the European Union for Croatia Vladimir Drobnjak, who was in Estonia ...

Foreign Minister Paet and Latvian Foreign Minister Ronis Place Importance on Completion of Estonia-Latvia Future Report
Nr 147-E Today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed Estonia-Latvia relations and international co-operation with the new foreign minister of Latvia Aivis Ronis, who was in Tallinn on his first foreign ...

New Latvian Foreign Minister to Visit Estonia
Nr 146-E Aivis Ronis, the new foreign minister of Latvia, will be in Estonia for a working visit on 3 May. The Latvian foreign minister has meetings planned with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Prime Minister ...

Foreign Minister Paet Opened Estonia Pavilion in Shanghai World Exposition EXPO
Nr 145-E While opening the Estonia pavilion in the Shanghai World Exposition EXPO today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that participation in the event provides Estonia with an opportunity to introduce ...

Estonian Ambassador to Austria Opens Honorary Consulate in Graz
Nr 143-E Estonian Ambassador to Austria Eve-Külli Kala opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Graz on Wednesday, 28 April. The new Estonian honorary consul in Graz is Michael Friedrich Seidl. Prior ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met With Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Shanghai
Nr 142-E During his meeting in Shanghai with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet invited China to open a Confucius Institute in Estonia. Foreign Minister Paet and Chinese ...

Finnish President Tarja Halonen to Visit Estonia
Nr 144-E Finnish President Tarja Halonen will be in Estonia accompanied by her spouse Pentti Arajärvi for a state visit from 4-5 May. During her state visit, Tarja Halonen will meet with President ...

Imbi Paju’s “Sisters Across the Gulf of Finland” Premieres in Athens
Nr 141 – E The premiere of Imbi Paju’s documentary “Sisters Across the Gulf of Finland” premiered in Athens on 28 April. The premiere in the Finnish Institute was organised by ...

Foreign Minister Paet Opened Estonian Consulate in Shanghai
Nr 140-E During the opening of the Estonian Consulate in Shanghai, China, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted that this step would help to advance Estonia-China economic relations and co-operation and make ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Open Shanghai Consulate and Estonian Pavilion in Expo 2010 World Exposition
Nr 139–E Tomorrow and the next day, 29-30 April, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will be on a visit to China, where he will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiech and open the Estonian pavilion ...

Macedonia* and Albania to Open Embassies in Tallinn
Nr 134 – E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with his Macedonian colleague Antonio Milošoski and Albanian Foreign Minister Ilir Meta in Tallinn. Milošoski and Meta affirmed that each ...

Estonia Extends Aid Mission in Haiti
Nr 139-E The Foreign Ministry in co-operation with the Estonian Rescue Service is sending another member of the Estonian Rescue Team to Haiti, in addition to the medic currently participating in the support ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met with Danish Minister of Culture Per Stig Møller
Nr 138-E During his meeting with Danish Minister of Culture and former foreign minister Per Stig Møller, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet talked about Tallinn’s preparations for its year as European ...

NATO Foreign Ministers Discussed Future of NATO-Russia Relations
Nr 131 - E The informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers continued in Tallinn today with a discussion on relations between NATO and Russia. The NATO foreign ministers agreed that Russia is an important ...

NATO Implementing UN Resolution 1325 on Women and Peace and Security Thanks to Joint Efforts of Estonia and Norway
During a discussion that took place during the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre marked their joint efforts ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Kyrgyzstan Must Set Sights on Free Elections
Nr 137-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the meeting of European Union foreign ministers taking place in Luxembourg on Monday, 27 April. The topic of discussion was the situation in Kyrgyzstan. ...

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Opens Eastern Partnership Training Seminar in Tallinn
Nr 136-E On Monday, 26 April, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk opened the training seminar meant for the eastern partners of the European Union taking place from 26-30 April in Tallinn. The ...

Foreign Minister Paet Discussed Situation in Kyrgyzstan with EU Foreign Ministers
Nr 135-E Tomorrow, 26 April, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers taking place in Luxembourg. The European Union foreign ministers will discuss ...

Foreign Minister Paet Confirmed Estonia’s Ongoing Support for Afghanistan to Afghan Foreign Minister
During his meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassouli, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed Estonia’s ongoing contribution to reconstructing Afghanistan and ensuring security in the country. ...

Foreign Minister Paet and Australian Foreign Minister Smith Discussed Conclusion of Social Security Agreement Between Two Nations
Nr 130 – E During their meeting early this morning in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith discussed Estonia-Australia co-operation in the cultural and ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Unilateral Disarmament of NATO Would be Dangerous
Nr 128-E Within the framework of their working dinner on Thursday night, the NATO foreign ministers focused on nuclear deterrence and missile defence. The NATO foreign ministers agreed that the 21st century ...

Foreign Minister Paet and French Foreign Minister Kouchner Discussed Estonian Accession to Euro Zone and Candidacy to be Location of EU IT Agency
Nr 126 – E During their meeting in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner discussed Estonia-France defence-related co-operation, issues related to candidacy ...

Foreign Minister Paet and Secretary of State Clinton Confirmed Good Estonia-USA Relations
During their meeting today in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Secretary of State of the United States of America Hillary Clinton discussed both Estonia-USA and transatlantic co-operation, developments ...

Foreign Minister Paet and NATO Secretary General Rasmussen: New Threats Receive the Same Attention
This morning Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Paet and Rasmussen discussed NATO’s new Strategic Concept, the alliance’s nuclear deterrence, ...

Invitation: Press Conference and Meetings of USA Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
21 April 2010 Within the framework of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting taking place from 22-23 April in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves and ...

Estonian Security Policy Concept Takes New Threats into Consideration
Nr 121-E In his speech today in Riigkogu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Estonia’s security policy concept is based on the objective to ensure the Estonian state’s independence ...

Information for visitors staying in Estonia with a visa
It is possible that some visitors may be faced with the problem of expired visas as a result of the airspace closure. Travellers whose visas have expired or will expire in the period from 15 April 2010 ...

Exhibit of Estonian Artist Imat Suuman Opened in Lisbon
Nr 118-E An exhibit of the oil paintings of Estonian artist Imat Suuman entitled “Estonian Landscape” was opened in the gallery of the Convento dos Cardaes in Lisbon on Thursday, 15 April. The ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Foreign Ministry Strives to Support Entrepreneurs
Nr 119 – E At his meeting today with members of the Estonian Business Association, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet talked about the Foreign Ministry’s opportunities for supporting the activities ...

Foreign Minister Paet Made Agreement to Organise Exhibits of Ilon Wiland’s Work All Over the World
Nr 96-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed co-operation opportunities with artist and illustrator Ilon Wikland for introducing her works and thereby also Estonia around the world. Paet and Wikland agreed ...

Estonia Helping to Rebuild Earthquake-Ravaged Haiti
Nr 97-E At the International Donors’ Conference for Haiti in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet announced that Estonia feels it is important for the international community to provide whatever ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met With Haitian Prime Minister and Established Diplomatic Ties with Haiti
Nr 98 - E Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive signed a communiqué in New York establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations. At his meeting ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Discussed Possibilities for Visa Freedom with Thai Colleague
Nr 100-E During a meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya in New York, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet made a proposal to exempt Estonian citizens from visa requirements when travelling ...

Foreign Minister Paet Addressed Safety of Humanitarian Aid Workers with UN Under-Secretary-General
Nr 101 - E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in New York with UN Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator John Holmes, with whom he discussed Estonia’s contribution to international ...

Foreign Minister Paet Discussed EU-Brazil Visa Freedom Agreement with Brazilian Foreign Minister
Nr 102 –E During a meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed matters related to the visa freedom agreement between the European Union ...

Foreign Ministry Supports Creation of Ties Between Estonian and Afghan Schools
Nr 103-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting an Estonia-Afghanistan friendship schools project that will help to increase the awareness of schoolteachers and students regarding Afghanistan and development ...

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Expressed Support for Serbian IT Minister in Joining EU
Nr 104-E Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk met with Serbian Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society Jasna Matić on Tuesday, 6 April. They mostly discussed Serbia’s EU ...

Foreign Minister Paet and USA Assistant Secretary of State Gordon Discussed Overview of USA Nuclear Policy
Nr 105 – E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and USA Assistant Secretary Gordon spoke over the phone about the Nuclear Posture Review published by the United States. During their phone conversation last ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met with Javier Solana and Strobe Talbott
Nr 107-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with president of the USA think tank the Brookings Institution and former American under secretary of state Strobe Talbott and former foreign policy leader of the ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Agenda for NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tallinn Focused on Future of NATO
Nr 108– E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the agenda for the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting taking place from 22-23 April in Tallinn includes discussions on issues important to the ...

Estonia Calls Upon Krygyzstan to Refrain From Violence
Nr 109– E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the Foreign Ministry is constantly analysing the effects of events in Krygyzstan on our security situation and interests and has issued the recommendation ...

Foreign Minister Paet, Latvian and Lithuanian Colleagues Agreed to Carry Out Audit of Nordic-Baltic Co-operation
Nr 110-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet agreed with Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstiņs and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis to compile an audit regarding co-operation in the Nordic-Baltic ...

Estonia Supports Quick Conclusion of EU-Georgia Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreement
Nr 111-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia supports the quick concluding of a visa facilitation and readmission agreement between the European Union and Georgia. Paet stated that the goal ...

Finnish President Tarja Halonen to Visit Estonia
Nr 112 – E President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and her spouse Pentti Arajärvi will be in Estonia for a state visit from 4-5 May. During the course of the visit, Tarja Halonen ...

Estonian Ambassador to Romania Presents Credentials
Nr 113-E Estonian Ambassador to Romania Taavi Toom presented his credentials to Romanian President Traian Băsescu on Monday, 12 April. Ambassador Taavi Toom resides in Warsaw. In the conversation following ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Participate in Memorial Ceremony for Victims of Katyn Massacre
Nr 22 -TT This afternoon a memorial ceremony to commemorate the victims of the massacre at Katyn carried out by the Red Army in 1940 will take place in front of the Estonian Maritime Museum in Tallinn. Foreign ...

Estonia Supports Starting EU-Iceland Accession Negotiations as Soon as Possible
Nr 114-E Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk discussed the situation in the global economy and further European Union enlargement with his Icelandic colleague Einar Gunnarsson, Secretary General ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Cypriot Colleague: Solution to Restore Unity of Cyprus Would Increase Security in Europe
Nr 115-E At their meeting in Nicosia, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou discussed the status of negotiations to restore the unity of Cyprus, the Middle East peace ...

Estonia to Open Consulate in Shanghai
Nr 116-E The Government of the Republic approved the opening of an Estonian consulate in Shanghai, China. The consulate will help to intensify economic co-operation with China and make consular services ...

Foreign Minister Paet Introduced Estonian Candidacy to be Location of EU IT Agency and Euro Accession to Cypriot State Leaders
Nr 117-E At his meeting with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Chairman of the Cypriot Parliament Marios Garoyian, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet introduced to them Estonia’s desire to become ...

As of 5 April 2010 Estonian diplomatic missions and consular posts will apply Visa Code
From 5 April 2010 diplomatic missions and consular posts of Estonia are following in processing of visa applications the new Regulation establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code). Visa Code establishes ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Agenda for NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tallinn Focused on Future of NATO
Nr 108– E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the agenda for the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting taking place from 22-23 April in Tallinn includes discussions on issues important to the ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Agenda for NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tallinn Focused on Future of NATO
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Foreign Minister Paet Met with Javier Solana and Strobe Talbott
Nr 107-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with president of the USA think tank the Brookings Institution and former American under secretary of state Strobe Talbott and former foreign policy leader ...

Estonia Concluded Agreement for Protection of Investments with Azerbaijan
Nr 106-E In Tallinn today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed the development of Estonia-Azerbaijan economic relations and energy-related co-operation opportunities with the EU with Azerbaijani ...

Azerbaijani President to Visit Estonia
Nr 99-E Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will be in Estonia on a state visit along with his wife Mehriban Aliyeva from 6-8 April. This is the Azerbaijani president’s first state visit to ...

Foreign Ministry Coming Events: 22 – 28 March 2010
22-23.03 Sessions of the European Union General Affairs Council (GAC) and Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) will take place in Brussels. During the General Affairs Council, the European Union foreign ministers ...

Estonia Interested in Common Electricity Market of Baltic and Nordic Countries
Nr 88-E During their meeting in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his Lithuanian colleague Audronius Ažubalis discussed energy security matters. “Estonia and Lithuania co-operate in many energy-related ...

Estonia to reintroduce border control at its internal borders during the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers
For security reasons, Estonia will reintroduce border control at its internal borders during the unofficial meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers from 17 – 23 April in Tallinn. To ensure the highest possible ...

Lithuanian Foreign Minister to Visit Estonia
Nr 19-TT Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis will be in Estonia for a working visit on Friday, 19 March. The Lithuanian foreign minister has meetings scheduled with Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, ...

Malta Supports Estonia Joining Euro Zone
Nr 86-E During his meeting in Valletta with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that Malta supports Estonia joining the euro zone. According to Foreign Minister Urmas ...

Estonia Supports Psychological Services For Georgian Women and Youth Affected by War
Nr 82-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the Psycho-social Rehabilitation Centre in the region of Gali in Georgia with 55 860 kroons, donated through the Gali Women’s Association. One of the priority ...

Estonia Helping to Train Red Cross First Aid Instructors from Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus
Nr 85-E 15 March 2010 The Foreign Ministry is supporting the Estonian Red Cross in training first aid instructors from Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus who belong to the International Committee of the ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Foreign Policy Unity in Europe is Essential
Nr 83-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, who was invited to a meeting in Saariselkä by Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, discussed global challenges related to the European Union’s foreign ...

Prime Minister of Kosovo to Visit Estonia
Nr 18-TT Kosovan Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi will be in Estonia for a working visit from 15-17 March. The prime minister of Kosovo has meetings scheduled with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Riigikogu ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Baltic Sea Region Co-operation Serves as Example for Creation of Danube Strategy
Nr 79-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised today that the Baltic Sea Region Strategy is a great opportunity for developments in the entire region and added that it is essential to include all the countries ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Supports Serbia on Path to European Union
Nr 80-E During his meeting with his Serbian colleague Vuk Jeremić in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Serbia has had good results in its European Union accession negotiations, carrying ...

Latvian Foreign Minister to Visit Estonia
Nr 15-TT Latvian Foreign Minister Māris Riekstiņš will be in Estonia for an official visit on Wednesday, 10 March. Foreign Ministers Urmas Paet and Māris Riekstiņš will announce the winner ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Holland’s Contribution to Stabilising Situation in Afghanistan Has Been Essential
Nr 78-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen, in Estonia for a visit, discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Paet stated that during the next few months a situation must ...

Foreign Minister Paet: EU Needs Strong European External Action Service That Can Help Citizens of Union in Crisis Situations
Nr 76-E At the informal Gymnich meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Córdoba, Spain, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that in the interest of making the European Union more globally ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Visa Freedom with All Western Balkan Countries is Clear Intention of EU
Nr 77-E Within the framework of the Gymnich meeting in Córdoba, Spain, the European Union foreign ministers met with their Turkish, Croatian, and Macedonian* colleagues to discuss accession to the ...

Serbian Foreign Minister to Visit Estonia
Nr 14-TT Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić will be in Estonia for a working visit on Tuesday, 9 March. During his visit, the Serbian foreign minister will meet with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Prime ...

Dutch Foreign Minister to Visit Estonia
Nr 13-TT Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen will be in Estonia for a working visit on Monday, 8 March. The Dutch foreign minister has a meeting planned with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. At their meeting, ...

Europe-related Consultations Took Place Between Estonia and Russia in Moscow
Nr 74-E Consultations about Europe took place between the foreign ministries of Estonia and Russia in Moscow on Wednesday, 3 March. Topics discussed at the meeting were co-operation in the OSCE, in the ...

Foreign Minister Paet to Discuss Creation of EU External Action Service with Colleagues in Córdoba
Nr 75-E Today and tomorrow Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in an informal Gymnich meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Córdoba, Spain. The foreign ministers will discuss ...

Estonia to Participate in NATO Crisis Management Exercise
Nr 73-E Estonia will be participating in a NATO Crisis Management Exercise (CMX 2009) from 4-10 March. The purpose of the exercise is to practice the NATO crisis management process for areas outside the ...

Foreign Minister Paet Opened Estonian Honorary Consulate in Geneva
Nr 72-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Geneva on Wednesday, 3 March. The new Estonian honorary consul in Geneva is Matteo Inaudi. According to Foreign Minister Urmas ...

Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for EU Affairs and Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs Discuss Implementation of Baltic Sea Region Strategy
Nr 70-E On Tuesday, 2 March, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for European Union Affairs Kaja Tael met with Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, who is on a visit in Estonia. ...

Estonian Foreign Ministry Issues Protest to Russian Ambassador
Nr 67–E Today, 1 March, the Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Tallinn. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement of regret and protest over the decision of the Foreign ...

Estonian Foreign Minister Recognises Contribution of Egyptian Colleague to Middle East Peace Process
Nr 69– E While meeting in Cairo with his Egyptian colleague Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Cairo would give a boost to ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Opened Estonian Embassy in Egypt
Nr 68– E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Cairo on Monday, 1 March. Paet stated that the embassy in Egypt is Estonia’s first representation ...

Foreign Minister Paet: President Assuming Office Creates Good Situation for Stabilisation of Domestic Politics in Ukraine
On Monday, 22 February Foreign Minister Urmas Paet attended a meeting of the European Union external relations council in Brussels, where topics of discussion were the situation in Ukraine, building up ...

Foreign Minister Paet and European Affairs Minister Ohlsson: Baltic Sea Region Strategy Could be Example for Danube Countries
At his meeting with new Swedish European Union Affairs Minister Birgitta Ohlsson in Brussels on Monday, 22 February, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the success of the Strategy for the Baltic Sea ...

Foreign Minister Paet Opened Estonian Honorary Consulate in Damascus
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Damascus. The Estonian honorary consul in Damascus is Awab Shubat. During the opening of the honorary consulate, Foreign Minister Paet ...

Estonian Embassy in Finland Celebrating Estonia’s 92nd Anniversary with Dance Performance “Opus Tempus” in Helsinki’s Savoy Theatre
On Thursday 25 February at 18.00 the music and dance performance “Opus Tempus” will be performed at the Savoy Theatre in Helsinki to celebrate Estonia’s independence day. The performance ...

Independence Day to be Celebrated in England with Veljo Tormis Concert
On the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, 24 February, a concert of Veljo Tormis’s music will take place in the United Kingdom, during which the composer’s works will be performed by the ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Smooth EU Accession Negotiations with Turkey are in Estonia’s Interests
During his meeting in Tallinn with Turkish European Union Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for Turkey continuing accession negotiations with ...

Foreign Minister Paet Met with USA Under Secretary of Defence Flournoy
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met today with Under Secretary of Defence for Policy of the United States Michele Flournoy. At the meeting they discussed co-operation between Estonia and the USA in Afghanistan ...

Foreign Minister Paet and French Secretary of State for European Affairs Lellouche Discussed NATO-Russia Relations
During their meeting in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and French Secretary of State for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche discussed matters related to the Treaty of Lisbon, the development of the ...

Syria Interested in Co-operation with Estonia in Oil Shale and Information Technology Sectors
At his meeting with his Syrian colleague Walid al Muallim in Damascus, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia would like to intensify its communication with the nations of the Middle East. Paet ...

Competition for Estonian-Latvian and Latvian-Estonian Translation Award Begins
Nr 31-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Latvian Foreign Minister Māris Riekstiņš today announced the opening of the competition to recognise the best Estonian and Latvian translators. The best translator ...

Danish Foreign Minister to Visit Estonia
Nr 9-TT On Tuesday, 23 February Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller will come to Estonia for a visit and meet with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. At the meeting, they will discuss matters related ...

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Participated in Meeting of Nordic-Baltic Co-operation Ministers
Nr 55-E Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk participated in a meeting of the Nordic-Baltic co-operation ministers on Thursday, 18 February. Topics being discussed were co-operation opportunities ...

EU Development Co-operation Ministers Discussed Efficiency of Aid and Fulfilment of UN Millennium Development Goals
Nr 54–E An informal council of co-operation development ministers took place in Segovia, Spain from 17-18 February. The Estonian delegation was led by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Economic ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Will Join OECD During Next Few Months
Nr 53-E Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurría confirmed in his meeting with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet in Paris that the decision to ...

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Opens Estonian Honorary Consulate in Bordeaux
Nr 51-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Bordeaux on Tuesday, 16 February. It is the fifth Estonian honorary consulate in France. The Estonian honorary consul ...

The Celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in Tallinn and in Tartu
Nr 34-E Attention journalists! Accreditation begins today for the events celebrating the 92nd anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in Tallinn and in Tartu. Journalists, photographers and cameramen interested ...

Foreign Minister Paet Discussed Co-operation with New Lithuanian Foreign Minister
Nr 47- E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet spoke on the phone with new Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, who was assigned to his position on Thursday. The foreign ministers discussed matters related ...

Estonian Film Festival Taking Place in Eminent London University
The Estonian film festival “Disco and Atomic War” will begin at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on Thursday, 11 February. Within the framework of the three-day festival, ...

Paet: Estonian Tourism Sector Recovering from Economic Decline
Nr 48-E At the opening of the tourism fair “Tourest 2010” at the Eesti Näitused exhibition centre, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that tourism is an important branch of Estonian economics. ...

Estonia Extends Mission of Health Care Expert in Afghanistan
The Foreign Ministry is extending the mission of health care expert Anu Raisma, who works to co-ordinate development co-operation in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, by half a year to the end of July this ...

Leonhard Lapin Exhibit Opened Today in Estonian Embassy in Helsinki
Nr 52-E Today an exhibit by the grand old man of Estonian art, Leonhard Lapin, will be opened in the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki at 16.00. The exhibit is made up of a selection of pieces from the artist’s ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Wishes to Open EU Eastern Partnership Training Centre
Nr 44 – E While talking about European Union matters in his speech in Riigikogu today about the primary topics of Estonian foreign policy, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet brought up Estonia’s candidacy ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Euro and Accession to OECD are Within Arm’s Reach
Nr 43-E In his foreign policy address today in Riigikogu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted that Estonia has made significant decisions in the economic sector during the past year that have brought accession ...

Address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Mr. Urmas Paet to the Riigikogu on behalf of the Government of Estonia 11 February 2010
Overview of Estonia’s Foreign Policy Honourable Chairman, Respected Members of the Riigikogu, Dear guests, Today’s foreign policy address is mainly concentrated on the following topics: security, ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Pillars of NATO Must Remain the Same
Nr 42 – E In his foreign policy address today in Riigikogu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Estonia is actively involved in the formulation of NATO’s new Strategic Concept. “It ...

First-ever Trilateral Political Consultations With Finland and Turkey Took Place on Secretary General Level
Nr 40-E Trilateral political consultations between Estonia, Finland and Turkey took place on Monday, 8 February in Ankara. It was the first time ever the consultations were held together with Finland. ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Austria Expecting Estonia to Join Euro Zone Soon
Nr 39-E In Vienna today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed Estonia’s candidacy to become the location for the European Union IT agency for justice and home affairs and accession to the euro zone ...

Mission of Estonian Experts in Haiti to Last Until End of April
Nr 35 - E Due to the complicated humanitarian situation there, Estonia will soon be sending a medical worker and a mechanic to support the work of rescue teams in Haiti. According to Estonian Foreign Minister ...

Estonia Supports Japan in UN Security Council Reform
Nr 36-E At a meeting with Japanese State Secretary Koichi Takemasa during the Munich Security Conference, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for Japan’s permanent ...

Group of Factors that Determine International Security Constantly Expanding
Nr 37 – E The Munich Security Conference, which took place from Friday to Sunday, focused first and foremost on NATO’s values and primary responsibilities. Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo ...

Ski Festival Organised by Estonian Embassy Took Place in Turkey
Nr 38-E The Estonian Embassy in Turkey organised a spirited cross-country skiing festival in Turkey’s Bolu Province on Sunday, 7 February. The snow and sun brought together around a thousand skiing ...

Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Žbogar to Visit Estonia
Nr 7-TT Foreign Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Samuel Žbogar will arrive in Estonia for a working visit on Tuesday, 9 February. During the course of his visit, he has meetings scheduled with President ...

Estonian Ambassador to Slovakia Presents Credentials
Nr 33-E Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Slovakia Eve-Külli Kala presented her credentials to President of the Republic of Slovakia Ivan Gašparovič on Tuesday, 2 February. At ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Tartu Peace Treaty Brought Peace to Homes and Clarity to Estonia-Russia Relations
Nr 32-E At the opening of the room commemorating the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty on February 2 in Tartu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that the conclusion of the peace treaty brought peace ...

Paet Met with Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Turkmenistan
Nr 30-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in London with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, who expressed interest in Estonia’s e-developments. The foreign ministers discussed co-operation opportunities ...

Estonian Foreign Minister Paet and Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski Sign Estonia-Poland Visa Representation Agreement
Nr 18 – E Today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his Polish colleague Radosław Sikorski signed an Estonia-Poland visa representation agreement together in Warsaw. In accordance with the visa representation ...

Foreign Minister Paet: Afghanistan Must Become Capable of Taking Over Security Responsibilities
Nr 29-E At the international Afghanistan conference in London, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said during the next few months a situation should be created in which security responsibilities can gradually ...

Paet to Participate in Afghanistan Conference in London
Nr 28-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in the international Afghanistan conference taking place in London on Thursday, 28 January. The international community’s efforts in co-operation ...

Paet and Saakashvili Discussed Georgian Integration into EU and NATO
Nr 21–E At his meeting today in Tallinn with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised Estonia’s support for Georgia’s integration into the European ...

Estonia Considers Continued European Union Support for Moldova to be Essential
Nr 26-E At a meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca in Brussels on 25 January, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for starting negotiations for visa facilitation ...

Foreign Minister Paet: European Union Ready to Contribute Police to Improve Security in Haiti
Nr 25-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the European Union foreign ministers’ council in Brussels today, 25 January. During the external relations session the situation in Haiti was discussed ...

Foreign Minister Paet Introduces Estonia’s Path to the Euro in Poland
Nr 19 – E While speaking today in the European Union and foreign policy think tank Demos Europa in Warsaw, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that the economic crisis brought a 5% decline to ...

France to Represent Estonia for Issuing of Visas in 15 Countries
Nr 20-E The government approved the conclusion of a visa representation agreement with France, which will begin to represent Estonia for the issuing of visas in 15 countries. Foreign Minister Urmas ...

Estonia Sends Supplies to Aid Workers’ Field Camp in Haiti
Nr 23-E At the request of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Estonia will be sending supplies to the humanitarian operations information centre. According to Foreign Minister ...

Paet Participating in Meeting with European Union Colleagues
Nr 24-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will participate in a session of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels tomorrow, 25 January, where the topic of discussion will be the programme ...

The Estonian Guild in London Begins its Activities
Nr 17-E On Tuesday, 19 January, Ambassador of Estonia to the United Kingdom Margus Laidre opened the seminar of the London Estonian Guild, which brings together Estonian entrepreneurs and enterprising ...

Estonian Support for Victims of Haiti Earthquake Close to Four Million Kroons
Nr 15 – E Today the European Union development ministers agreed on the co-ordinated activity of the European Union to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake over the next few weeks and months. ...

Georgian President Mihhail Saakashvili to Visit Estonia
Nr 3-TT Georgian President Mihhail Saakashvili will be in Estonia for a working visit from 20-21 January along with his wife Sandra Elisabeth Roelofs. This will be the Georgian president’s first ...

Estonia Allocates Additional Aid for Victims of Haiti Earthquake
Nr 14-E The Foreign Ministry is donating an additional 1.5 million kroons through the International Red Cross to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Currently Estonia’s aid to Haiti totals ...

Foreign Minister Paet Presented Foreign Ministry Cultural Stipends to Imbi Paju and Tiit Ojasoo
Nr 13-E Today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet presented Foreign Ministry cultural stipends to two creative Estonians—author, director and journalist Imbi Paju and theatre director Tiit Ojasoo. Foreign ...

Foreign Ministry has Information on Estonian Citizen in Haiti
Nr 2-TT The Foreign Ministry has information on an Estonian citizen who is in Haiti. The ministry was informed of the citizen’s presence in Haiti by the individual’s relatives. The citizen ...

Estonia Aids Victims of Earthquake in Haiti
Nr 12-E Estonia is donating one million kroons through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help alleviate the effects of the earthquake in Haiti. In co-operation ...

Estonia Prepared to Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake
Nr 11-E Estonia is prepared to donate about one million kroons to help alleviate the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. The Foreign Ministry is currently assessing co-operation with other state institutions ...

Foreign Minister Paet: South Korea is Europe’s Strategic Ally
Nr 10-E At his meeting in Seoul today with South Korean Prime Minister Chung Un-chan, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the free trade agreement coming into effect between the European Union and South ...

Paet: South Korea Interested in IT Development in Estonia’s Public Sector
Nr 9-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, who is on a visit to the Republic of Korea, discussed the development of political, economic, science and information technology co-operation between Estonia and South ...

Foreign Ministry to Send One-Day Consular Mission to Cyprus
Nr 5 - E During the course of the consular mission on 26 February, it will be possible for all Estonian citizens residing in Cyprus to apply for new passports or ID cards or receive pre-ordered documents. ...

Estonian Ambassador to Austria Presents Credentials
Nr 8-E Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia Eve-Külli Kala presented her credentials to President of the Republic of Austria Heinz Fischer on Monday, 11 January. During the meeting that took place ...

Estonian and Singaporean Foreign Ministers Opened Memorial to the Fall of the Berlin Wall
Nr 7-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, in Singapore for a visit, participated along with Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yong-Boon Yeo in the opening of a memorial dedicated to the 20-year anniversary ...

Estonia and Singapore Preparing for Agreement for the Protection of Investments
Nr 6–E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yong-Boon Yeo agreed to begin preparations for an agreement for the protection of investments between Estonia and Singapore. ...

Estonia Joined Council of Europe Convention Against Human Trafficking
Nr 4-E Today, 7 January, the government approved Estonia joining the Council of Europe’s Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that human trafficking, ...

Foreign Ministry Gave Valuable 17th Century Dutch Painting to Art Museum of Estonia
Nr 3-E Foreign Minister Urmas Paet presented the Art Museum of Estonia with an oil painting by Dutch artist Govert Dircksz Camphuysen entitled “Chicken in its nest” in honour of the museum’s ...

Estonia Contributing to International Civil Mission in Kosovo
Nr 2-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the International Civilian Office (ICO) in Kosovo with one million kroons. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the goal of the civil mission is to monitor ...

Afghan and Palestinian Diplomats to Receive Supplementary Training in Estonia
Nr 314-E Next year the Foreign Ministry will support the training of 10 Afghan and 15 Palestinian diplomats in a two-week programme at the Estonian School of Diplomacy. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said ...

Estonia Prepares to Open Embassy in Cairo
Nr 1-E Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk and Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Estonia Kārlis Eihenbaums will sign a memorandum of mutual understanding on 5 January, according to which ...

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