Estonian Review 1 - 8 April 2010

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT VISITS ESTONIA
FOREIGN NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
CULTURAL NEWS

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT VISITS ESTONIA

Estonian President, Prime Minister Discuss Economic Co-operation with President of Azerbaijan

7 April - “Estonia and Azerbaijan are linked by common interests; we want stability and peace to rule in the Southern Caucasus and the region in general, to ensure both the energy security of the European Union with as versatile a means as possible and the development of political, economic, and cultural co-operation between our countries,” said President Toomas Hendrik Ilves as he welcomed President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, who were in Estonia for a state visit. “Azerbaijan as a leading country in the Caspian Sea region is an important partner for the European Union both economically and politically. In turn, the member states of the EU can share with you their experiences to ensure that reforms introduced in Azerbaijan will be successful,” said the Estonian head of state. According to President Ilves, as an EU member state Estonia supports and encourages Azerbaijan to join the World Trade Organisation, as achieving such an objective will show that Azerbaijan is a country that adheres to international norms and standards.
When discussing Estonia-Azerbaijan relations, President Ilves reminded his colleague that tomorrow, 8 April, will be the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Estonian Society in Baku, which demonstrates the substantial history of our relations. The Estonian head of state emphasised the brevity of today’s political dialogue between the two countries, but also added that co-operation could even be closer between the heads of government and the ministries of economic affairs, defence and agriculture.
President Ilves acknowledged Azerbaijan’s wish to modernise its public sector through co-operation with Estonia. For example, Estonian IT companies are participating in partnerships with their Azerbaijani colleagues to develop e-governance in Azerbaijan and create a safe data exchange layer, which is known in Estonia as X-tee.
“Following this, it will be easy for Azerbaijan to adopt other solutions that are successfully operating in Estonia, such as e-Health, e-Police, e-School and eventually the ID card,” said President Ilves.
The Estonian and Azerbaijani heads of state also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, where both countries contribute to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). “Azerbaijan, as one of the key countries of this region, understands quite clearly the importance of a stable Afghanistan for both itself and its neighbours, as this would stop the spread of extremism,” said President Ilves. “This is the reason why the international community has accepted its responsibility and many countries – not just NATO – have sent their defence force members and civilian experts to Afghanistan.”
Presidents Ilves and Aliyev today signed the common declaration on relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan.
At the meeting held today between Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Alijyev, the two declared that the relations between the two countries are great, but for the further development of relations in the field of economy the countries are mainly interested in co-operation in the field of information and communication technology.
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip introduced to President Aliyev the Estonian e-state and IT solutions. “We are ready to share our knowledge and experience,” Ansip said. Co-operation prospects are improved by the information technology agreement signed between Estonia and Azerbaijan. At the meeting, the economic situation in Estonia and Azerbaijan and the strategies for overcoming the economic crisis were discussed in more detail. Ansip and Aliyev noted that in both countries, it has been the conservative financial policy and constant work towards increasing the competitiveness of the country that have helped to cope with the difficulties.

Paet Concluded Agreement for Protection of Investments with Azerbaijan

7 April - 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 Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev signed an agreement for the protection of investments between Estonia and Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Paet stated that co-operation with Azerbaijan’s economy in the real estate, manufacturing industry and information technology sectors is of interest to Estonian entrepreneurs. “In order to increase the confidence of Estonian entrepreneurs, we must expand the economic agreement base with Azerbaijan,” said Paet. He added that establishing an Azerbaijani embassy in Tallinn would also help to advance relations.
Paet also mentioned the importance of Azerbaijan to ensuring European Union energy supplies. “Azerbaijan’s active participation in implementing the Southern Corridor project’s Nabucco gas pipeline and Odessa-Brody-Plock oil pipeline is very important and highly valued,” stated Paet. Azerbaijan is an important energy partner of the EU and exports over 90% of it energy carriers to the EU.
In talking about conflicts in the South Caucasus, Paet emphasised the importance of continuing negotiations for finding a peaceful solution.
Paet noted that EU Eastern Partnership offers more opportunities for co-operation. “We hope that Azerbaijan takes advantage of the available co-operation opportunities with the EU. Azerbaijani diplomats are welcome to attend the seminar at the Estonian School of Diplomacy,” Paet added, talking about Estonia’s contribution to strengthening the institutions of Eastern Partnership partners.

FOREIGN NEWS

Estonia Supports Reforms in Albania

5 April - At the meeting held today between Prime Minister of Albania Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip expressed strong support for all the necessary reforms that will bring the country closer to joining the European Union. With respect to the co-operation possibilities between the two countries, both prime ministers saw the greatest potential in the field of information and communication technology.
Prime Minister Ansip assured Prime Minister Berisha that Estonia supports the development of Albania and is ready to share relevant experiences with reforms. According to Ansip, Estonia’s experience showed that during accession to the EU, homework and the consistent implementation of reforms are of crucial importance. “Estonia’s experience with reforms was positive, but we conducted the reforms for our own sake, not for others,” he stressed. At the same time, Prime Minister Ansip stated that accession to the EU requires the fulfilment of not only economical, but political criteria as well.
Prime Minister Ansip also expressed his support for Albania’s aspirations towards meeting all the technical criteria for establishing visa freedom with the European Union. The process of Albania joining the EU began in January 2003. In the European Commission progress report published in October of last year, it was noted that the country has managed to progress with important key political reforms. During 2009, the support of the public for accession to the EU has increased to almost 90%, which is the highest in the region.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Berisha thanked Estonia for the support already given to Albania and stated that fruitful co-operation is expected especially in the field of information and communication technology. Albania is mainly interested in Estonia’s experience in the field of e-governance and public e-services and the digitalisation of the country is one of the top priorities of the government of Albania. In order to promote economic relations between the two countries, the prime ministers signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation between Estonia and Albania at the meeting held today.
When discussing the relations between the two countries, both prime ministers stated that they are very good. “We are great partners with Albania on the NATO level, which means we can trust each other,” Ansip declared.

Agenda of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tallinn Focused on Future of NATO

8 April - 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 future of NATO, such as the new Strategic Concept, headquarters reform, NATO enlargement and partnership, nuclear issues, missile defence, and NATO-Russia relations. The foreign ministers of nations contributing to ISAF in Afghanistan will also gather in Tallinn to discuss developments in Afghanistan. According to Paet, one of the main topics of the foreign ministers’ meeting in Tallinn will be the renewing of NATO’s Strategic Concept. “It is important how the new Strategic Concept will reflect collective defence as the primary responsibility of NATO,” said the Estonian foreign minister. “Estonia is satisfied with the process of developing the new Strategic Concept, in which we have actively participated,” added Foreign Minister Paet.
Paet stressed that Estonia continues to support the decisions made at the NATO summits in Bucharest and Strasbourg-Kehl regarding the creation of a NATO missile defence system. “The goal of the NATO missile defence system is to protect the population and territory of the entire alliance from all sources of danger,” said Paet. In talking about NATO’s nuclear policy, Paet noted that nuclear deterrence is still one of the pillars of the alliance. “The predictability of the global security environment has decreased, and the need for reliable deterrence remains great,” said Paet.
The situation in Afghanistan will be discussed at the meeting of ISAF nations to take place in Tallinn. “We will discuss opportunities and terms for starting to hand security responsibilities over to the Afghan authorities, as well as issues related to training the Afghan security forces,” said Paet. “We will discuss the basics principles of handing responsibility for security over to the Afghan authorities at the Tallinn meeting. There are also plans to update the political-military plan of NATO’s extensive strategy,” explained the Estonian foreign minister.
Foreign Minister Paet said that NATO-Russia relations would also be discussed. “Russia is an important partner to the alliance, but partnership must be based on mutual interest,” he added.
The NATO foreign ministers will also discuss further NATO enlargement, including the giving of a Membership Action Plan (MAP) to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Estonia supports giving a MAP to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Representatives from 45 nations and several international organisations are expected in Tallinn for the informal NATO foreign ministers’ meeting from 22-23 April. Meetings will take place in the conference centres of downtown Tallinn hotels and in the Estonian National Opera.

Helping to Rebuild Earthquake-Ravaged Haiti Important to Estonia

1 April - 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 aid it can to rebuild Haiti and will contribute 1.6 million kroons (102 200 EUR). Estonia’s support will be divided between the Haiti Reconstruction Fund managed by the World Bank and UNICEF. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the International Donors’ Conference for Haiti donors creates good circumstances for Haiti’s future development.
The International Donors’ Conference for Haiti was organised on the initiative of the USA and the UN in co-operation with the government of Haiti. At the conference, final conclusions regarding post-crisis damages and needs were made based on the missions of the European Union, World Bank, UN, and the American Development Bank. Based on the results of the evaluation missions, damages from the earthquake total 120% of the GDP of Haiti. To date, this is the greatest measured damage that a natural disaster has ever caused a single nation. Foreign Minister Paet stated that Estonia reacted immediately to Haiti’s appeal for aid. “Nearly 300 000 people died in Haiti and over 3 million people are directly affected by the effects of the earthquake. Estonia sent an IT expert, a logistics team with supplies, and medics to Haiti to help support the activities of international organisations on site,” said Foreign Minister Paet. The Estonian experts travelled to the crisis region along with experts from the Nordic countries within the framework of International Humanitarian Partnership. “A member of the Estonian Rescue Service was also among the European Union evaluation team that travelled to Haiti,” Paet added. Paet stated that now we must move forward with helping Haiti get back on its feet. “The nation requires long-term systematic support to overcome the effects of the earthquake. This could take years and Estonia is prepared to help,” he added.
Estonia had also co-operated with Haiti prior to the tragic earthquake. “With the support of the Open Estonia Foundation, experts from Estonia’s e-Governance Academy consulted with Haiti’s government on developing an e-state in 2009,” said Paet, adding that our experts will continue to provide consultations to Haiti on this topic.

Estonia Establishes Diplomatic Ties with Haiti

1 April - 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 with the Haitian prime minister, Paet said that Estonia is prepared to continue co-operating with Haiti. “In addition to its other contributions thus far, Estonia is contributing to the post-earthquake reconstruction of Haiti with 1.6 million kroons donated (102 200 EUR) to the Haiti Reconstruction Fund managed by the World Bank and UNICEF,” said Paet. “In addition, Estonia has begun to prepare for information technology-related co-operation. For example, to help build up Haiti’s public administration system,” said Paet.
Haitian Prime Minister Bellerive stated that Haiti would like to develop all kinds of IT and other co-operation with Estonia and is grateful to Estonia for the aid it provided in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Strobe Talbott Visits Estonia

8 April - 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 European Union Javier Solana to discuss Estonia’s activities in NATO and the European Union and developments in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Strobe Talbott’s work as an important creator of American foreign policy during the presidency of Bill Clinton set a foundation for Estonia and many other nations to join NATO. “Now, as a member of NATO and the European Union, Estonia has become a strong supporter of extending of the values of these organisations,” said Paet. “We feel it is especially important to share our experiences with acceding states. Estonia and other like-minded nations are attempting to support the European Union’s Eastern Partners and keep them in focus. Within the framework of these endeavours, we plan to establish an Eastern Partnership training centre at Tallinn’s Estonian School of Diplomacy,” said Foreign Minister Paet. Paet noted that co-operation and exchanging ideas with various think tanks, including the experts at the Brookings Institute, will certainly be helpful for the establishment of the training centre. Another topic discussed was European Union-USA co-operation. According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, close co-operation between the European Union and the USA is the basis for stability, economic growth, and lasting development in the Euro-Atlantic region. “The partnership between the European Union and the USA differs from all others due to the unique closeness of its values and interests,” said Paet. “Estonia supports EU-USA co-operation becoming more effective though practical and co-ordinated activities, primarily in the areas of energy, interior and justice matters, development co-operation, and various regional issues,” the foreign minister added.
Relations with Russia were also discussed at the meeting. In talking about NATO-Russia relations, Paet and Talbott acknowledged that relations with Russia must be discussed regularly within the alliance so that the alliance can be unified in its positions. “The topic of NATO-Russia relations will also be one of the topics discussed within the framework of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting being held in Tallinn,” Paet noted.
“In the near future we will be joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, where in addition to participating in the expert experiences and analyses of other countries, we can also share our own reform experiences on an even wider scale,” Paet said. At the meeting, Foreign Minister Paet also emphasised Estonia’s efforts and desire to fulfil all the criteria to join the euro zone on 1 January 2011.
Talbott and Solana recognised Estonia for its success thus far in international organisations and in coming to terms with the economic crisis.

Prime Minister Ansip Opened Estonian Honorary Consulate in Tirana

6 April - At the opening of the Estonian Honorary Consulate today in Tirana, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip expressed hope that the good relations between the two countries will gain even greater momentum. “The opening of the Honorary Consulate is a symbolic act as it shows mutual interest and a wish for greater mutual communication,” said the prime minister. Ansip also wished good luck to the first Estonian honorary consul in Albania, Sotiraq Guga.
Sotiraq Guga, who is a business consultant with long-term experience in state public service, admitted that Estonia is a great example for Albania both in accession to the European Union and the development of the country in the field of information and communication technology. The Estonian honorary consul was also hopeful that the intensification of contacts between the two countries begins with economic co-operation, in which he sees a lot of room for development.
Today, Prime Ministers Andrus Ansip and Sali Berisha also opened an Estonia-Albania business seminar. When opening the seminar, Ansip stated that a significant indicator of the good relations between the two countries is the frequency of business contacts, and he was glad that a business delegation has also come from Estonia to get more thoroughly acquainted with Albania. “In the development of economic relations, direct contacts play a significant role and I hope that at the business seminar being held today, more of these will be created,” he said.
The Estonian prime minister cited the rapid development of Albania and an economic environment that is oriented towards increasingly greater openness. Berisha stated that tourism is a potential area for co-operation and investments. The country, with an area of 28 748 square kilometres, has a 362 km long sea boundary and a picturesque mountain area. According to Sali Berisha, it is hoped that the developing tourism sector will soon be one of the most important factors that increase the gross domestic product of the country.

EU-Brazil Visa Freedom Discussed with Brazilian Foreign Minister

3 April - 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 and Brazil, which would allow Estonian citizens visa-free travel to Brazil, as well as Estonia and Brazil’s co-operation opportunities with Haiti in the information technology realm.
During the meeting with his Brazilian colleague, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed hope that the European Union-Brazil visa freedom agreement would be concluded soon and as a result Estonian citizens would also be allowed visa-free travel to Brazil.
Paet and Amorim also discussed co-operation opportunities between Estonia, Brazil and Haiti in developing the public sector and information technology solutions.

USA Assistant Secretary of State Gordon Gives Overview of USA Nuclear Policy

7 April - 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 night, USA Assistant Secretary of State Gordon told the Estonian foreign minister about the most important aspects of the review, with a special focus on NATO’s nuclear deterrence, the nuclear weapons located in Europe, and matters of transatlantic co-operation.
“From the standpoint of the security of European allies, the USA’s review meets our expectations,” said Foreign Minister Paet. “NATO’s nuclear policy, which relies on the American nuclear weapons located in Europe, ensures strong ties between the USA and its European allies in matters of collective defence,” he noted.
The aforementioned review is the third one of its kind and brings up new emphases in USA nuclear policy based on President Obama’s goals in this area. The review does not include any changes regarding the tactical US nuclear weapons located in Europe—on this subject the USA follows NATO’s common nuclear policy.

DOMESTIC NEWS

President Recognises Service of 1990-1992 Government

3 April (BNS) - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves highly recognised the services of the government of 1990-92, whose activity considerably contributed to the restoration of Estonia's independence. "When you took the oath of office as members of the government 20 years ago, two things were clear. First, the majority of the Estonian people wanted to be free. And second, the Soviet empire did not want to give freedom to the Estonian people," Ilves said.
He said that everything else was just guesswork, and in the long term it was still unclear, even frightening. But the government that took office in 1990 was supported by the people's will to be free, which had been expressed by hundreds of thousands of people in the elections of both the Congress of Estonia as well as of the Supreme Council. "It was difficult to make Estonia's voice heard and our aspirations understood throughout the world," Ilves said.
He said that it was not yet possible to rely on Estonia’s defence capabilities because there were no defence forces yet. The police force was re-established and the first border guard started working, but it was very clearly too little to defend Estonia.
"So the recently elected Supreme Council and the Government it appointed had the breakneck task of uncoupling Estonia from the Soviet empire relying on the will of the people and to do it in a way that the tanks of the occupation forces, the contradictions blown up by the pro-imperialists and the crumbling economy of the Soviet Union would not snuff out the flame of freedom ablaze in the country," Ilves said.
The president said that many ministers of the government of 20 years ago came to Toompea as specialists and only a few of them had been politicians. "But you did your work well and Estonia achieved its aim. Independence was restored through co-operation and there is reason to be proud of it today," Ilves said, thanking members of the government of the period.

Estonia Prepared to Spend Over EUR 20 Mln For Hosting EU IT Agency

5 April (BNS) - The government is ready to finance expenses of more than 315 million kroons (EUR 20 mln) for Estonia to become the host of the EU's IT agency, including over 170 million kroons to build the server facility, the daily Eesti Päevaleht reported.
Citing a letter by Estonia's Interior Minister Marko Pomerants to his EU colleagues, the paper said that Estonia is prepared to support bringing the agency into Estonia with 17 million euros (EEK over 265 mln). In addition, 50 million kroons are added for the establishment of a school for the children of the agency's estimated 150 staff. About 80 million kroons would be spent for the building of the headquarters of the EU agency.
The biggest sum, 183.5 million kroons, would be spent for building the main server room in the Kose municipality to the south of the Estonian capital.
The government in mid-March endorsed the terms of the offer that Estonia is making to host of the EU's IT agency. Its main principles are that Estonia would pay the rent of the agency's headquarters during the first year and provide an office building for up to 100 employees for free, with the EU agency only having to pay the utility bills. Estonia also would cover the costs related to the construction of the main server room. In addition, Estonia would contribute a three-strong team to support the launch of the agency's operations during a period of up to one year.
Estonia and France are both vying to host the IT agency of the EU.

DEFENCE NEWS

Over 5 500 Reservists To Be Called For Training This Year

5 April (BNS) - Estonia will call up more than 5 500 reservists for training during 2010, 136 more than originally planned. The increase is the result of a change in the number of training events, it appears from a draft regulation by the Ministry of Defence.
According to the draft, the number of reservists to be summoned to attend reserve training of the military and the Kaitseliit (Defence League) volunteer corps will increase to 5 240 from the initial figure of 5 104.
As the Baltic Spirit exercise, which originally was planned to be held in Lithuania, has been cancelled, the Kaitseliit battle group that was to take part in it will not be dispatched. That will reduce the number of personnel taking part in reserve training by 51. On the other hand, Kaitseliit battle groups will take part in the Baltops 2010 exercise in the 24th week, which increases the overall number by 187.
Volunteer reservists to take part in training during 2010 total 320. Last year, 3 200 people including volunteers were called up for reserve training in Estonia.

ECONOMIC NEWS

Most of Estonia’s Wind Energy Sold to Latvia in 2009

1 April (BNS) - Producers of wind energy in Estonia sold about 90% of their output last year to Latvenergo Kaubandus, the branch of the Latvian power company Latvenergo in Estonia, which then exported it, the daily Eesti Päevaleht said.
According to the Estonian transmission grid company Elering, the output of wind farms that reached the power grid during 2009 was 172 gigawatt-hours (GWh), of which 150 GWh was bought and exported by Latvenergo Kaubandus.
What made Estonian wind energy competitive in Latvia was its price, which was nearly a quarter lower than the price of electricity produced using traditional means, the Wind Energy Association said.
Eesti Päevaleht pointed out that subsidies are paid to producers of energy from renewable sources in Estonia, which in the case of the amount sold to Latvenergo totalled more than 120 million kroons.
According to Einari Kisel, the deputy general secretary of the Estonian Ministry of Economy and Communications in charge of energy, the law doesn't say that renewable energy support has to be paid only on energy that is sold in Estonia. Such provisions have been applied in Latvia and Lithuania, which in the words of Kisel spoils the open market.
Wind energy was exported to Latvia because the regulated price in Estonia has been lower than the Latvian market price, the official explained.
Wind farms operated by the company Nelja Energia produced 64% of the wind energy generated in Estonia during 2009. The share of wind assets of the state power company Eesti Energia was close to 30%.

Elcoteq’s Estonia Operation Posts FY Sales of EUR 129.4 Mln

1 April (BNS) - The electronic components maker Elcoteq Tallinn AS posted sales of 129.4 million euros for 2009, a reduction of 57.6% from 2008. Total sales by the Finnish Elcoteq group dropped by almost as much, or 56.3%, to 1.503 billion euros, it appears from the annual report of Elcoteq SE published on Wednesday.
The group's operating loss was 76.5 million euros, compared with a loss of 20.4 million euros in the year before. The loss expanded mainly as a result of restructuring costs, which amounted to 37 million euros.
Last summer Elcoteq sold a large portion of its Tallinn production facilities to Ericsson, which means that also most employees started working for the Swedish electronics group. Elcoteq recently expanded production in Estonia again.

Norma’s Q1 Sales Soar 66 Percent

7 April (BNS) - According to preliminary figures, first-quarter sales of the listed Estonian car safety equipment maker Norma amounted to 16 million euros, which marks an increase of 66% year on year. Norma said the result was in line with the forecast published in an announcement on 1 March.
Due to improved productivity, cost saving and decreased provision for doubtful receivables, the group managed to surpass the profit forecast and maintain the operating profit margin at the previous quarter's level of 11%, the company said.
Good results in the first quarter were achieved primarily due to increased production volumes of Russian car manufacturers who were preparing for a government-initiated support program launched 8 March, Norma said. The figures are unaudited and are not based on reports approved by the management board. Norma will publish preliminary reports on 26 April.

CULTURAL NEWS

Foreign Ministry Supports Friendship Ties Between Estonian and Afghan Schools

5 April - 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 co-operation. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet asserted that Afghanistan is known in many nations, including Estonia, primarily in the light of stereotypes about the nation, which are mostly limited to conflicts and narcotics dealing. “The friendship schools project will increase students’ knowledge and understanding of Afghan culture and everyday life there. Supporting friendship schools will also give young people the chance to help their Afghan peers through volunteer work,” said Paet. “In addition to the chance to get to know one another better, co-operation between Estonian and Afghan schools will also include various joint endeavours that will improve the quality of education,” Paet added.
The Jaan Tõnisson Institute’s Afghanistan friendship schools project will create contacts between Estonian and Afghan schools and introduce everyday life in the country. The friendship school activity in Afghanistan is mostly focused on the northern Afghanistan region, more precisely the fourth-largest city in Afghanistan Mazār-e Sharīf and the surrounding area.
Within the framework of the friendship schools programme, Afghanistan-themed events and activities will take place in Estonian schools, materials about Afghanistan and Islam will be compiled, teachers from Estonian schools will take a trip to Afghanistan, a documentary film will be made, and the Afghan friendship schools will be given help in compiling teaching materials.
The education situation in Afghanistan is complicated, but it has improved somewhat since 2001. While in 2001 80% of all schoolhouses had been destroyed and only 38% of elementary school-aged children attended school (and only 3% of those were girls), today there are 5.8 million Afghan children attending school, of which 35% are girls. However, most schools are lacking a schoolhouse and their lessons take place outdoors.
The implementation of the three-year global education project “MDG Awareness among schoolchildren and teachers” is being supported by the European Commission and co-funded with 793 082 kroons (50 700 EUR) from the Foreign Ministry budget for development co-operation and humanitarian aid.