Address by Foreign Minister Urmas Paet to the Riigikogu on behalf of the Government of Estonia

Overview of Estonia’s Foreign Policy

Honourable Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
Dear guests,

In the year 2008, there occurred several world-shattering events, which greatly disrupted general stability and welfare. The dramatic events of 2008 - 8th of August – start of the Russian-Georgian conflict; 8th of September - the beginning of the financial crisis; 26th of November - the terrorist attack upon Mumbai - may very well become significantly meaningful, and be the cause for finding new solutions and approaches.

70 years ago, World War Two broke out; 60 years ago, NATO was founded; 20 years ago, the Berlin Wall fell; 5 years ago, Estonia acceded to the European Union and NATO. By contemplating upon the continuous chain of historical events in which the links are interdependent, we are able to more clearly comprehend future perspectives.

The future will also have to show us how the Russian-Georgian conflict fits into the history books. Direct military aggression in the European Union’s direct neighbourhood rattled our comprehension of European security, and has been a harsh lesson for the whole continent. The August conflict forced European Union and NATO members to consolidate, to be more united and ambitious in the foreign policy sphere.

The gas dispute that recently broke out again impelled the European Union to find unanimity in a controversy that is seemingly a purely economic conflict between private firms. This crisis that repeatedly breaks out during freezing winters, once again, in clear and chilly language, spells out the need for strengthening the European Union’s energy security policy, as well as the need for developing reliable alternative energy channels.

Honourable Members of the Riigikogu!

The aforesaid can raise the question, whether the price to be paid for achieving unity is crisis, or worse still, bloodletting and humanitarian catastrophe. No, freedom and human rights are priceless values that Europe does not bargain over. A blow directed at these values reminds us all of the importance of unity and common consensus. The use of extreme measures for the forceful advancement of one’s interests is alien to us. The objective of Estonian foreign policy is the promotion of democratic values in a suitable environment. Let us recall the words of Lennart Meri: “Principles are the only true weapons of democracy.”

In dealing with security problems, as well as the economic crisis, a decisive role is played by transatlantic cooperation. It is in Estonia’s foreign policy interests that all aspects of this cooperation be strengthened. It is necessary to work together in the interests of furthering democracy, the free market, and the rule of law. We must also work closely together with the U.S. in supporting the European Neighbourhood Policy’s eastern partners.

During the last year, I’ve run into several interpretations and opinions of the Russian-Georgian conflict. But one thing is for sure, that the solving of the conflicts of the Caucasus region has, as a result of the conflict, been shunted to an even further point in the future. I agree with my Swedish colleague Carl Bildt, who has stressed that “there is no such thing as ‘frozen conflicts’ - there are conflicts, and until they are resolved, they remain a threat to the stability of our entire continent.”

In the international arena, I have, since last August, time and again, stressed Estonia’s position, that the solution for the situation in Georgia must be peaceful, and based upon the nation’s territorial integrity and the inviolability of its borders. These are also generally recognised principles that have been declared in the OSCE’s Helsinki Final Act. Just the fact that an OSCE Member State needs to be repeatedly reminded of these axioms indicates that the basic principles of this organisation, based upon consensual decisions, are being ignored. Russia’s aggression against its neighbouring state is not acceptable, since this a violation of international law, just as in the case of recognising Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

In the post conflict situation, the mandates of both the OSCE as well as the UN (UNOMIG) observation missions must be maintained to their full extent in the unstable regions of the Caucasus. Although the European Union reacted, in August, operatively, dispatching an observation mission to Georgia, the mission must be reinforced for it to operate successfully. Free movement and access to the whole territory of Georgia must be ensured for the observers.

The Russian-Georgian conflict is having, without a doubt, a broader influence upon our security space. The breaking out of the conflict injected us with a sense of danger, which impels us to do everything possible that the international endeavours to settle the crisis hotbeds in the Caucasus will bear results. The fact that, in Europe, there exists the desire to alter the borders of sovereign states by means of military might, tells us that the world has changed, but not for the better. If, somewhere, there is the belief that there is a place for such a divide and conquer policy in Europe, in the 21st century, then the liberating effect of the whole post Cold War democratisation process, upon the peoples of Europe, has been denied. We must do everything within our power that, in Europe, dialogue and peacefulness, not power politics, are blessed with success. No nation may have the right to pressure another sovereign state into its sphere of influence by force, or to infringe upon the right of other nations to determine their own future.

Estonia is continuing to observe the humanitarian situation in Georgia. We have, so far, dispatched, to this war-torn nation, almost 30 tons of humanitarian aid. The aid is directed towards aiding the most defenceless segments of the population, including the children.

At the request of the UN, we sent to UNICEF’s Tbilisi branch office four Estonian crisis consultants who, in Tbilisi, Gori, and Senak, trained hundreds of specialists in the field of practical crisis psychology. Already during the conflict, Estonia dispatched two cyber defence experts, and at the beginning of September, also a five-member mine-clearing team. Estonia earmarked a million kroons for UNICEF to also aid South Ossetian refugees.

Sincerest thanks to all those people in Estonia who made donations to the Estonian Red Cross and UNICEF’s Estonian representation. Also, to those who, at the behest of the Estonian Union for Child Welfare, sent Georgia’s children, through the Foreign Ministry, toys, clothes, and school supplies.

Georgia continues to be the biggest receiver of Estonia’s bilateral aid. This year, we are continuing with several of the development cooperation projects directed towards Georgia.

Respected Riigikogu!

Speaking in a broader sense about security, and the general European security structure, I would like to recall the words of Woodrow Wilson, one of the founders of the League of Nations: “The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty.”

The UN, the OSCE, NATO, the Council of Europe are organisations that have been founded upon the democratic principles and withstood the test of time. Solutions for the problems must be found within the framework of the existing security architecture by maximising its various elements. We regard it as essential that the participants in the existing security structure adhere to the agreed upon principles. The most suitable place for discussing the possible improving of the security architecture is the OSCE.

In the process of increasing security, the maintaining of ideals and values should not be undervalued. We acknowledge the U.S. decision to close the Guantánamo Bay detention centre. The acceptance, by third countries, of those being held in Guantánamo is a matter of common political responsibility. The U.S. has asked for appropriate assistance from the European Union, where, also in Estonia, efforts are being made to find possibilities for offering coordinated help.

The European Union and NATO must achieve a common political resolve for taking cooperation to a new level. Estonia has brought up the essentiality of transatlantic ties in both NATO as well as the European Union, and will, as need be, do so in the future also. The new U.S. administration, through the words of Vice President Joseph Biden, has declared that the U.S. will do more, but also expects more from its partners, among them the European Union. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy observed recently that the NATO and European Union strategic partnership unfortunately does not fulfil our hopes, and that our goal should be true cooperation, based upon complementing each other in an effective manner.

The recent appeals from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean add to the conviction that mutual trust and the desire to unite our capabilities has increased. There are several world-wide security problems and common operations in connection with which we have to improve our cooperation for the sake of better results. At this point, I’ll mention just a few: Afghanistan, the Middle East, the fight against terrorism, the stemming of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

In connection with controlling the listed security threats, but also in matters concerning the moderating of climate changes, and the reforming of financial systems, it is necessary to also include Russia and China as partners in cross Atlantic cooperation. From the point of view of stabilising Afghanistan, Russia’s decision to allow a transit route through its territory for transporting supplies to U.S. forces is praiseworthy.

The fight against all aspects of terrorism must be conducted on the basis of international cooperation, keeping in mind both human rights and international law. In this context, it is especially important to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorists. The combating of nuclear terrorism is also targeted by a relevant U.S. and Russian common initiative, that Estonia has supported, and within the framework of which also plans to continue to act.

Cooperation with Russia is also essential for achieving the goal of limiting nuclear weapons. Also, for preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, as well as for solving the North Korean nuclear problem. It is necessary to again begin negotiations with Russia to achieve an agreement for renewing the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) after the end of this year, when the treaty officially expires.

Distinguished parliament!

The summit, to be held this spring, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, is making us think about both where the alliance stands at the moment, and also about its future. Estonia is pleased by France’s plans to re-enter NATO’s military structure.

For us, it is of primary importance that the alliance be successful in connection with two essential matters: European security and stability, as well as NATO’s collective defence capability. We must pay greater attention to the development of the alliance’s forces and capabilities. On the other hand, NATO must, in response to the changing security environment, participate in peacekeeping endeavours outside the alliance’s borders. Looking into the future, it is also necessary to pay more attention to the other dimensions of security, which encompass both energy security, as well as cyber defence.

Estonia has been a NATO member for five years. During this time, we have contributed to NATO’s activities in accordance with our capabilities and resources, and will also do so in the future. We are also supporters of NATO’s open door policy, and active participants in alliance’s operations.

Experiences with NATO enlargement have, so far, shown that with each round of enlargement, the Euro-Atlantic security space has also been strengthened. We greet the fact that Croatia and Albania are about to become NATO members, just as we do the Bucharest summit’s decision concerning Ukraine’s and Georgia’s future membership. It is our duty to continue giving support and assistance to Ukraine and Georgia. We hope that the alliance will, before long, achieve a consensus concerning the matter of presenting Macedonia with an invitation to join.

We participate, unanimously and jointly, with our NATO, European Union, and UN partners in international missions. We can be proud of the Estonian soldiers in the world’s crisis hotbeds, primarily Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans, who, risking their lives, have protected, and are protecting right now, the freedom of the people there - a treasure, the attaining of which bears a price we ourselves recall very well.

The Estonian soldiers have, by today, returned from Iraq. By contributing to international security, we have comprehended that our active participation, in accordance with our capabilities, is appreciated, and thereby, we are also protecting our rear. Thanks to the joint efforts of the international forces and Iraq itself, Iraq is becoming a stable and peaceful country. The improvement in the security situation was also felt directly by the Estonian infantry platoons - if, in 2003 and 2004, the armed actions of Iraq’s anti-government forces, directed against Estonian defence forces’ personnel, were not rare, then, during the last year, ESTPLA units had, practically, no armed confrontations.

Iraq was the first international operation for Estonian defence forces personnel, in which they participated in active peace enforcement - together with their allies, they supported the Iraqi government in its fight against outlawed armed groups. In the course of the battles, two Estonian soldiers were killed and 18 were wounded. It can only be assumed how many attacks and terrorist actions the activities of the Estonian units in Iraq prevented, as well as how many lives were saved.

I express my thanks, to all those who participated in these missions, for their extensive contribution to the reinforcement of Estonia’s general security.

The stabilising of Iraq’s security situation made it possible to make the decision to bring home the Estonian infantry platoon, but Estonia is continuing to participate in NATO’s Iraq training mission with three staff officers. We are also participating in the work of the European Union’s EUJUST LEX mission to strengthen Iraq’s rule of law. As an Estonian and Iraqi bilateral project, plans have been made to carry out a training course for Iraqi diplomats this spring.

Working together with American soldiers in Iraq noticeably strengthened our relations with our strategic partner, the U.S., and also in a political sense. In the case of Estonian military capabilities being transferred from Iraq to Afghanistan, one likely form of cooperation with the Americans would be the formation of a joint Embedded Training Team.

Talking about Estonia’s priority activity in Afghanistan, it must be admitted, that the security situation there has not improved to the extent expected. In the present situation, we have to seriously take into consideration both the requests of the Afghanistan government, as well as the NATO secretary general’s appeal for the international community to devote itself, to a greater extent, to the country’s stabilisation. Taking into consideration the country’s unique characteristics, it is, first of all, necessary to help improve cooperation between the various tribal and local leaders, to help improve the quality of the Afghanistan military and police training, as well as to help increase the effectiveness of the fight against corruption.

Last year, Estonia increased both its military as well as its civilian support for Afghanistan, with most of it directed towards the southern part of the country. We are participating in NATO’s most important mission abroad - the ISAF mission - with 150 servicemen. The majority of them are serving in Helmand province, in Southern Afghanistan, where there has been good long-term cooperation with British military personnel. Of the Estonian civilian contribution, almost three quarters is directed towards the building up of the medical system in Helmand province. In Helmand, there is also an Estonian medical care expert, who coordinates the receiving of the international medical aid arriving in the province. In the civilian sphere, we also participate in the EU’s police mission known as EUPOL.

From the point of view of Afghanistan’s democratic development, it is extremely essential that the presidential elections, this coming August, be conducted democratically and transparently. Estonia has, for this purpose, also given monetary assistance. Estonia supports a greater UN presence and coordinating role in Afghanistan, as well as the UN secretary general’s special representative, Kai Eide’s, activities in connection with expanding the UN’s influence.

The success of international organisations, in stabilising Afghanistan, is also dependent upon the surrounding region’s general security situation as a whole, and among other things, upon the situation in Pakistan. We express total support for the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan in their struggle with terrorism. To reduce tensions in the whole area, it is necessary to promote dialogue with all the nations in the region.

The crisis in the Middle East is constantly becoming more extensive, and without international help, it is not possible to find a lasting solution. The goal must be a compromise that would ensure both Israel’s security, as well as the Palestinian people’s political and economic rights. On the 2nd of March, there will be a meeting of donor states in Sharm el Sheikh, where there are plans to put together an aid packet to help the Palestinian self-administration to build up Gaza and ensure political stability. Estonia also has plans to contribute to the aid packet.

Dealing now with developments in Europe, in 2008, there occurred a critical event. A new state was added to the political map of Europe - the Republic of Kosovo, the independence of which was recognised by Estonia, last year, on February 21.

The independence of Kosovo put an end to the uncertain political situation in the Western Balkans. A young nation’s economic and social development at first requires support from the outside, so that we have tried to help Kosovo in as many fields as possible. From 1999 on, we have been participating in NATO’s Kosovo mission, known as KFOR, and, from December of last year on, in the European Union’s most extensive civilian mission, EULEX. We are also taking part in other European Union Kosovo projects.

In the course of the last few years, Estonia has had to start dealing with additional security matters, especially the ensuring of cyber security. Estonia has, through various organisations, informed others of the problems connected with cyber security, and has raised the need for improving the international legal space in this sphere. Last year, we succeeded in adding cyber security to the EU’s amended security strategy, and, when we were the presiding state, as our priority matter, also to the agenda of the OSCE’s Forum for Security Co-operation. We find that the time is ripe for more concrete and practical cyber cooperation. So as to develop the field of cyber security in the European Union, we are organising a conference on the European Union ministers’ level that is devoted to increasing the security of the cyber space, and will take place, this April, in Tallinn.

In the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, that has been established in Tallinn, 2008 was devoted to its practical launching. At the end of October, the centre officially became, thanks to NATO accreditation and approval by the North Atlantic Council, a NATO centre of excellence for providing NATO and its member states with competence and assistance.

Respected Members of the Riigikogu,

Today, our foreign policy is being influenced, more than ever before, by the need to deal with economic matters, and this not only due to the world-wide economic crisis that broke out last fall. Energy and climate issues that, just a few years ago, were generally matters for discussion by appropriate experts have become essential elements of international relations, including European Union agenda.

The adoption of the European Union’s Energy and Climate Packet, towards the end of 2008, should be regarded as a breakthrough in the energy and climate sphere, on the EU level. In the form that it was adopted, it is also, without a doubt, a big step forward in furthering Estonia’s interests, which also gives hope that the EU’s common energy policy will be speeded up.

The matter of energy security is, more than ever before, important for Estonia. Energy security is becoming, in the European Union’s common energy policy, an equal component with issues like the performance of the internal energy market and energy saving. The issue of energy security rose strikingly to the forefront in connection with the recent Russian-Ukrainian gas conflict. What could be the conclusions that can be drawn from this conflict?

Firstly, it is necessary to formulate a common EU energy policy in relations with third countries, and to promote measures that would increase solidarity among the Member States. Secondly, it is necessary to structure a well-performing internal energy market together with actual connections between Member States. Thirdly, although not the least important, there is the necessity for diversifying suppliers and sources. For the European Union, the main alternatives, in this case, are the Caspian region and the southern corridor projects, like Nabucco and White Stream. Therefore, it is necessary to make use of all means for intensifying cooperation with this region.

One means of doing this is the Energy Community Treaty. In the interests of harmonising energy markets and the transparency of energy transit, it is necessary to see to it that all interested parties would be fully included in the Treaty. We regard the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, and Turkey, concerning their accession as full members, as being positive. Ideally, we also see Georgia’s full membership in the Energy Community, as well as Azerbaijan joining.

Although they have occurred for various motives, the disruption of energy supplies in Europe, which has almost become a beginning-of-the-year tradition, casts doubt upon the reliability of such suppliers. If, in the realm of energy trade between states, principles agreed upon in the Energy Charter Treaty and in the WTO continue to be evaded, and the use of brokers with suspicious backgrounds is not stopped, then it is extremely likely that energy crises will continue to break out. To prevent future gas conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, it is necessary to also provide Ukraine with technical aid from the European Union.

In the realm of regional energy issues, Estonia, last year, took a big step ahead. We were able to get the matter of the establishment of Baltic Sea region energy connections made a priority in the European Union’s Second Strategic energy review, which was issued at the end of 2008. The significance, for our region, of the inclusion of the BIP (Baltic Interconnection Plan), or in other words, the plan for developing Baltic Sea energy connections, in this energy overview, is difficult to overestimate. Right now, the agenda for establishing the Baltic Sea connections is being drawn up. When finished, it will help to create a common Baltic power market, as well as help to establish the connections that have been lacking till now.

Primarily, Estlink2, but also the establishment of connections with Sweden and Poland, is creating a basis for integrating the Baltic power market with the Nordic market. Although the Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish joint nuclear energy power plant project did not progress, in 2008, as had been hoped for, its development continues to be important for us, since it would ensure long-term energy security in the Baltic region.

When dealing with the increasing of energy production, environmental issues cannot be overlooked. It is essential to continue to deal with matters concerning the climate, so that, at the end of the year, a new global climate agreement will be adopted in Copenhagen.

Members of the Riigikogu!

As the observant listener has noticed, I have, in the course of my presentation, repeatedly touched upon matters connected with the economic crisis. Even this indicates that the economic decline and its effects are being felt in the foreign policy realm.

In a climate of economic pressures, we must all make more compromises, but, in this situation, many a threat also lies in wait. Countries can, with a shortage of resources, develop the urge to limit their contributions to international stability and security. In the same manner, they can develop the self-centred urge to set up mechanisms for protecting their markets, to shut themselves up by means of protectionism. The economic crisis can give rise to populism, or political instability, as, unfortunately, can already be noticed in some European countries. The union of leading industrial states, G7, recently urged that protectionist measures not be adopted, since these could only make matters worse. It is self evident that compromises cannot be made at the price of security. Physical and economic security are both faces of the same coin.

The liberalising of trade, avoiding protectionism, and the openness of the economy have, thus, acquired, in today’s situation, an even more essential dimension. Just like the global wave of protectionism that accompanied the economic crisis of the 30s, contemporary protectionism would also hurt those countries that are extensively involved in foreign trade, among them Estonia, the most. Therefore, it is extremely essential that the Doha round of trade talks, that are taking place within the framework of the WTO, be concluded as quickly as possible -- this would be the best guarantee against the adoption of potential new trade barriers. From the point of view of a small economy, it is extremely important that free trade and a liberal economic policy would continue to dominate as the foundations of the world’s economic policy.

Even the joining of the euro-zone encompasses a broader aspect of security. In addition to monetary stability, it broadens our opportunities on the political level. In fulfilling the Maastricht criteria, fulfilling the inflation criterion, which has previously been our stumbling-block, has become a realistic possibility this very year. Thus, it has become even more important to continue to fulfil the other criteria, especially to be able to stick to the 3% budget deficit limit.

The role of Estonian embassies in promoting Estonian economic relations abroad has increased in the financial crisis situation. We have made the solving of the concerns of Estonian entrepreneurs - both exporters and investors - our priority, and we believe that we can be of assistance with our knowledge and our advice. We try to develop the proper legal basis in the field of economy to promote the interests of our entrepreneurs, as well as include business delegations in our high-level political visits abroad. At the end of last year, we introduced the Estonian ambassadors residing in European Union countries to the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as other business organisations. We plan to continue this tradition, and to also include the ambassadors working in other regions. By cooperating domestically with other structures promoting business and economic relations, we are increasing our own capabilities, as well as becoming more adept at fully harnessing existing potential in the interests of Estonian entrepreneurs.

Honourable Members of the Riigikogu!

And now, a brief overview of Estonia’s activities in the European Union, where we have been members for almost five years. We are tied to this year’s presiding countries of the Czech Republic and Sweden by means of similar positions concerning many European Union issues. In cooperation with the presiding countries, we can expect to make progress in connection with matters of essential concern to Estonia, like energy security, competitiveness, the Eastern Partnership, and transatlantic relations.

We hope that the Lisbon Treaty, ratified by the Riigikogu last June, and all-in-all by 25 Member States, will be adopted, in its entirety, this coming autumn. To put it briefly, a new institutional treaty is needed primarily in the interests of the European Union’s greater effectiveness. But the non-adoption of this Treaty does not, in Estonia’s evaluation, prevent making progress in connection with several essential matters, be it energy security, improving the internal market, or enlargement.

Estonia has actively participated, from the start, in the launching process of the Baltic Sea Strategy. We are continuing our efforts in this sphere, hoping that the Baltic Sea Strategy will be adopted in the course of Sweden’s presidency, during the second half of this year.

Estonia continues to support the enlargement of the European Union. During Slovenia’s presidency, in 2008, Stabilisation and Association Agreements were signed with Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thus, the European Union has concluded appropriate agreements with all Western Balkan countries, except for Kosovo. Likewise, the European Union has presented the Western Balkan countries with roadmaps towards visa facilitation. Such progress leads us to conclude that Western Balkan countries are now closer to the Union than a year ago. Estonia has shared, with the Western Balkan countries, its experiences connected with acceding to the European Union.

We support the concluding of the ongoing accession negotiations with Croatia soon, as well as Turkey’s accession. In the present situation, in which negotiations with Turkey have begun to drag, it is essential to get the train moving again. This is in the interests of both parties. We regard Turkey’s recent steps, including the adoption of the National Programme for acceding to the European Union, as good signs.

We regard it as being essential that the European Union and Serbia continue to develop their relations. Concerning Serbia, the clause is still in effect, which requires that a stabilisation and association agreement not be formulated until the country completely cooperates with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). For the sake of expediting the activities of the Tribunal, we concluded, last year, an agreement with the ICTY concerning the implementation of the court’s judgements, according to which, individuals convicted by the ICTY may serve their sentences in Estonia.

The agreement concerning the establishing of the European Union Neighbourhood Policy’s Eastern Partnership was, without a doubt, one of the biggest steps taken last year within the framework of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. The development of the Neighbourhood Policy is largely dependent upon to what extent the European Union is willing, in its relations with Partner States, to implement its principles of the Four Freedoms, and secondly, upon the homework being done by the Partner States. It is good that, this spring, the Czech Republic will host the summit devoted to the Eastern Partnership. This is offering an opportunity for jointly proceeding with this issue.

It is in Estonia’s interests to ensure for the Eastern Partners of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus maximum opportunities and support for carrying out reforms, as well as for approaching the European Union. A month ago, Estonia signed the Neighbourhood Investment Facility Trust Fund, through which assistance is provided for the European Union’s Neighbour and Partner States. Estonia is making a million euro deposit for the support of the Trust Fund’s Eastern Partners.

We regard as essential all activities that promote the concluding of broad-based free trade agreements that have the ultimate goal of establishing a common free trade zone for the European Union and its Eastern Partners. Just like the new framework agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, cooperation agreements that will be concluded with other Eastern Partners should also contain a section dealing with intensified free trade. It is also essential to continue negotiations dealing with visa facilitation and readmission agreements.

It is in Estonia’s interests that the European Union - Ukraine framework agreement negotiations continue smoothly, as should the visa dialogue. We wish to see the launching of negotiations with Moldova concerning a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Just as we support the starting of discussions for the concluding of a new generation skeleton agreement with Georgia. We hope that in the course of the Czech EU presidency, the negotiations concerning a visa facilitation and readmission agreement will be concluded with Georgia, and that the preparations will be made for launching free trade agreement negotiations with both Georgia and Armenia.

The European Council decided to restart a dialogue with Belarus, since noticeable changes are taking place in that society. We expect Minsk to make progress in the furthering of democracy, which would open up possibilities for the country to join up with Neighbourhood Policy instruments. The precondition for developing relations is, and will remain, an improvement in the ensuring of human rights and freedoms in Belarus.

Estonia is continuing to support the civil society in Belarus. We decided to upgrade our representation in Minsk, changing our consulate general there into an embassy. This was done primarily to be able to better protect Estonian business interests in Belarus, where Estonian investments are growing, but also to be able to obtain direct information about the nation’s political development.

It is in Estonia’s interests to have good relations with all its neighbours, including Russia. The agreement that was achieved, last year, for re-launching regular bilateral political consultations may be regarded as an indication that a continuous dialogue will be resumed. To get things rolling, political consultations took place in Tallinn, in January this year, in the course of which, the main subject for discussion was the matter of the status of bilateral agreements, and the possibilities for moving on with them. Estonia and Russia cooperate actively in the cultural sphere. We hope that the cultural cooperation programme that was agreed upon in January will intensify ongoing cultural exchanges. At the same time, cooperation is developing between the border zones. The development of businesses that take into consideration Setumaa’s cultural heritage, as well as the improving of the environmental conditions in the border regions are just a few examples that characterise cooperation between next door neighbours.

In the realm of Estonian-Russian economic relations, the statistics for 2008 show that there was an increase in the number of Russian tourists visiting Estonia, in trade, and in bilateral investments. Compared to the year 2004, the volume of Estonian exports has, to date, increased about threefold, having, by the end of last year, reached the 12.7 billion kroons level. In summary, Russia is, for Estonia, its fifth biggest trading partner. Direct bilateral investments are also increasing. Russia is the fourth most important country for direct Estonian investments, and Russia is the fifth biggest foreign investor in Estonia.

Considering how multi-faceted Estonian and Russian relations are, there are also issues concerning which we have differences of opinion. One such issue is the matter of Russia’s changing evaluations of certain periods and events of Soviet history.

In the context of European Union and Russian relations, we support a new all-encompassing and legally binding framework agreement. Our aim is that, in this agreement, Estonian-Russian economic relations would be given an appropriate legal basis. It is in Estonia’s interests that Russia would respect international law, and would adhere to generally recognised trade regulations that are shared by all WTO member states. Russia’s joining of the WTO also creates a premise for initiating negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and Russia.

Respected Members of the Riigikogu!

Last December, 60 years passed since the adoption of the UN Universal Human Rights Declaration. This is the world’s most translated document, the articles of which, dealing with human rights and freedoms, should be respected by all nations. In some countries, the observing of these universal principles is taken for granted, but, unfortunately, not in all. The ensuring of human rights and the protecting of basic freedoms are aspects that thoroughly characterise Estonian foreign policy activities.

Estonia stresses, within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe, the need for protecting human rights, the principles of the rule of law, and the principles of democracy, including the freedom of the media, as well as the rights of women and children. The protecting and promoting of human rights and basic freedoms is also an essential part of the European Union’s common foreign policy. Together with the European Union, we are concerned about the human rights situation in Myanmar, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Cuba.

In the time span 2009 – 2011, Estonia is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and this year, Estonia is assuming the position of the Council’s vice president. As a member of ECOSOC, and also in the role of vice president, Estonia concentrates upon the issue of humanitarian aid. Being within the framework of ECOSOC also provides a good opportunity for actively dealing with equal rights and the promoting of women’s issues.

Estonia devotes special attention to the improvement of the children’s and women’s situation in developing countries. In the course of fulfilling our development cooperation goals, we have foreseen the making of voluntary contributions to UN funds for supporting women’s rights and opportunities, as well as to the launching and financing of bilateral projects. Estonia is, in the period 2007 – 2009, chairing UNIFEM, the UN Development Fund for Women.

As far as the UN’s Security Council is concerned, it is inevitable that the Council must be reformed if its activities are to become more efficient. We hope that the recently launched inter-governmental negotiations concerning the reforming of the Security Council will prove to be successful. The improving of the UN’s capabilities to solve and prevent conflicts is in the interests of the whole international security sphere.

In the development cooperation sphere, we have concentrated upon four priority countries: Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. In 2008, we also supported the Palestinian Self-Administration, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Armenia. Participating in the relieving of the Georgian humanitarian crisis proved once again that the giving of humanitarian aid is, for Estonia, a logical choice and commitment.

In addition to bilateral development cooperation, Estonia participates in international development cooperation through several organisations, among them, the European Union and the UN. We have continually responded to ever more UN humanitarian appeals. Last year, we provided aid a total of ten times. In addition to Georgia, we also supported, through UNICEF, Madagascar, Tajikistan, and Haiti. In 2008, we provided Africa with humanitarian aid, through international organisations, to the extent of 4 million kroons. One essential international organisation for donor states, through which development cooperation is implemented, is the World Bank, along with the organisations of the World Bank Group. In October of 2008, Estonia joined the World Bank’s International Development Association, whose mission is to help the poorest nations reduce poverty.

As proof of Estonia’s activity and the fact that we consistently follow international humanitarian principles, this coming summer, a seminar for new donor states in the humanitarian aid sphere, will be held in Tallinn. We will be organising this event together with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Finland.

Respected Estonian parliament,

As always, I stress the fact that the protecting of Estonian citizens is an inseparable part of Estonia’s foreign policy. Last year, also, travelling opportunities became broader for Estonians. We succeeded in joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme, as well as in opening up the Schengen air borders. The evacuation of Estonian citizens from the Georgian conflict, as well as the negotiations for the releasing of Estonian seamen, by pirates who had captured them required strenuous efforts. These tasks, which were new for the Estonian consular service, were eventually dealt with quite successfully.

Last year, Estonia had to deal with, for the first time, with contemporary piracy. Considering the noteworthy number of Estonian seamen involved in international maritime transport, as well as ever increasing piracy on the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden, Estonia has actively brought up the need for international coordinated cooperation in this matter. I’m glad to be able to say that, in 2008, a whole series of necessary decisions were made within the framework of the UN, NATO, and the European Union that are helping to root out today’s forms of piracy.

To implement UN decisions, the European Union has launched the military operation “Atalanta”. This is meant primarily for escorting ships transporting UN food aid, but also for obstructing and preventing incidents of piracy and armed robbery. Although some progress has been made for creating a necessary judicial basis, legal questions concerning the handling of detained pirates, court proceedings, and appropriate punishments are still unsolved.

The other matter that the Foreign Ministry had to deal with for the first time, on such a large scale, was the organising of an evacuation operation. In cooperation with other EU Member States, as well as with the Estonian honorary consul in Jerevan, we were able to help about 140 Estonian citizens get home. Thanks to quick action, we were also able to assist in the bringing of Finnish, Danish, British, U.S, Georgian, and Russian citizens from Yerevan to Tallinn.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned, there is no need to justify the expanding of the network of Estonian honorary consuls. Presently, Estonia has 110 honorary consuls in 54 states. In 2008, the network of honorary consuls developed at an especially rapid pace: Estonia opened its first honorary consulate in the Western Balkans, in Macedonia, also in Singapore, Indonesia, Tunisia, Kenya, and the Faeroe Islands. There are plans for appointing honorary consuls into office in several Asian, Latin American, and African states, as well as in Ǻland, Albania, and Azerbaijan.

Thanks to the fact that we became part of the Schengen area, another opportunity has opened up for Estonia to offer consular services on a broader scale, and this on the basis of visa representation agreements. In 2008 and at the beginning of 2009, on the basis of visa representation agreements that were concluded with several Schengen states, visas are presently issued in Estonia’s name by Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, all together, in 54 states.

From April 2008 on, Estonia has been issuing Finnish visas in Minsk and Pskov. Other Member States have also expressed interest in being represented by Estonia. Such an example of practical cooperation brings forth the plusses of EU membership for Estonia, and will hopefully help to increase the number of tourists visiting Estonia from far afield.

The Foreign Ministry is actively endeavouring to expand the opportunities for Estonian citizens to travel visa-free. During 2008, in addition to the United States, Estonian citizens have been able to travel visa-free also to Turkey, Australia, and the Philippines. We are continuing our efforts to establish a visa-free relationship with Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, and several other countries.

Honourable Riigikogu!

Just as at home in Estonia, our diplomatic representations abroad were, in 2008, constantly observing the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. Estonian music and its performers, Estonian fine art and architecture, as well as the Estonian written word - these are some of the best Estonian business cards.

In a couple of years, Tallinn will be Europe’s cultural capital. In barely nine years it will be 2018, when the Republic of Estonia will, for the first time, play the role of the presiding state of the European Union. And this, during the year that the state will be celebrating its 100th birthday. Preparing for the presidency will be, during the next few years, one of our priority activities, which will open up, for us, the direct route to the realm of formulating international foreign policy.

I will conclude today’s speech with a quote from Jaan Tõnisson, state elder during the War of Liberation and the Tartu Peace Treaty: “Our internal conflicts are our domestic affairs, on the outside there must be only one Estonian nation.”

Let us act accordingly in the future also, so that the common cause that has made Estonian foreign policy successful will continue, and that our closest partners will clearly understand us, without us being verbose.

I thank the Riigikogu for its practical cooperation and attention!