Foreign News

12 December

At a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Friends of Syria group in Marrakech today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia recognise the National Coalition of Syrian Opposition and Revolution Forces as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people and are prepared to provide support for the coalition.

Paet stated that it is of utmost importance that the Coalition achieves broad support for its activities both in Syria and abroad. “We encourage the coalition to continue with preparations for the transition to a new and democratic Syria where everybody’s rights and freedoms are respected. The transition has already started in some parts of the country,” stated Paet. “We will provide support for civil society organisations that commit themselves to democratic and human rights principles and stress their importance for the political transition,” he added.

The ongoing violence and the suffering and loss of life it has caused are utterly unacceptable, emphasised Foreign Minister Paet. “The Nordic and Baltic countries continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms the widespread military attacks by the regime against its own people. The UN Security Council must overcome their differences and send an unequivocal message to the Syrian regime that its killing of its own people and destruction of the country will not be tolerated by the international community and that the Security Council can refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court at any time. The use of cluster munitions and aerial bombardments against innocent civilians is inexcusable,” said Paet. “Gross human rights violations must not go unpunished – the perpetrators must be held responsible,” he added.

The Nordic and Baltic countries expressed their complete support for the work of the Joint Special Representative of the UN and the League of Arab States Lakhdar Brahimi and encourage the Coalition to engage with him fully. “Only a political solution that preserves the sovereignty and unity of the country can lay the foundation for lasting peace and satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people to freedom and democracy,” Paet stated.

The Nordic and Baltic countries also call on the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow humanitarian aid quick and unhindered access to those in need while also guaranteeing the safety of humanitarian aid workers. “We will continue to provide aid through the ICRC, the UN, relief agencies, and other organisations in order to reach the people suffering in Syria as well as the refugees who have fled to the neighbouring countries. We are also ready to co-operate with the coalition,” Paet added.

Nearly three million people have been forced to leave their homes and over 40 000 have been killed. “If the violence in Syria does not stop, there is a danger that it will affect the entire region,” Paet emphasised.

Full text of Foreign Minister’s speech: http://www.vm.ee/?q=node/16086

28 August

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with Foreign Minister of Denmark Villy Søvndal and discussed issues of Nordic-Baltic (NB8 – Nordic-Baltic 8) co-operation. “Estonia highly values Nordic-Baltic co-operation and by intensifying our current comprehensive dialogue we could increase the competitiveness and visibility of the entire region,” Paet said.

According to Paet,  NB8 co-operation has resulted in several practical initiatives that provide added value. “A positive example is the diplomatic exchange agreement between Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, which provides for the opportunity to send diplomats to practice in foreign embassies in countries where they have no foreign mission of their own,” the foreign minister said.

At the same time, Paet noted that there are many areas where there is room for further development. “For instance, we could improve co-operation in areas like the common digital market and cyber co-operation,” he said. The foreign minister added that Estonia will assume the presidency of NB8 in 2014.

Speaking about security issues, Paet noted that Denmark is an important partner for Estonia in defence co-operation. “Our soldiers are serving with Denmark in the Helmand province in Afghanistan,” the foreign minister noted. Paet added that Estonia has joined Denmark’s initiative, which aims to give continued support to Afghanistan and bring together countries that are willing to contribute to the development of the country’s security forces even after the transition period, starting from 2015.

At the same time, the foreign ministers underlined that it is important to maintain and develop further the progress that Afghan society has made in recent years even after 2014, and therefore it is particularly important to support the development of the civil society in Afghanistan. “Afghanistan is Estonia’s target country for development co-operation; for years, we have contributed to the development of the health sector and, like Denmark, also to furthering education and human rights,“ Paet noted.

The foreign ministers also discussed other current affairs, including the future of the European Union and the situation in Syria and Belarus.

31 October

At his meeting in Tallinn today with Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia expects progress to be made in resolving the debt crisis, enlarging the European Union, and developing the internal market during Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency.

Foreign Minister Paet stated that the priorities of Ireland’s EU presidency coincide with Estonia’s goals in the EU. “In order to restore the trustworthiness and stability of the European Union’s economy and the euro zone, it is essential to focus on economic growth and employment. More attention must be given to developing the EU’s common digital and services market as well as energy issues,” he noted. Ireland’s last presidency of the EU was in the second half of 2004, the year Estonia acceded to the European Union.

In talking about the next budgetary period of the European Union, Paet emphasised the need to equalise direct agricultural investments and to allow for a higher %age of cohesion policy funds to be received by the states that suffered the most during the economic crisis. He also emphasised the necessity of the Connecting Europe Facility for funding cross-border infrastructure projects.

“Countries that have been affected by the complicated economic situation but have nevertheless used European Union funds appropriately should get the opportunity to utilise more Cohesion Policy resources,” said Paet. “We also want for the EU’s new budget to enable more equal competition by further equalising the direct agricultural investments given to farmers in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania,” he added.

Paet acknowledged the steps Ireland has taken to implement reforms that support economic growth and reduce the budget deficit. “Ireland’s positive adjustments in a difficult economic situation set an example for others,” he added.

The ministers also discussed further European Union enlargement. “The EU’s enlargement policy must continue in accordance with the existing principles. States that have made progress must receive more opportunities to move forward with the accession process,” Paet asserted. “We hope that the Irish presidency will be able to make progress in accession negotiations with Iceland. We also support the European Commission’s recommendation to open accession negotiations with Macedonia. Opening negotiations with Serbia would also be possible if Serbia fulfilled the set criteria,” the foreign minister said. Paet added that Estonia also supports concluding a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo.

The two also discussed Estonia-Ireland relations and co-operation in the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Ireland is currently the chairman of the OSCE.

21 June

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in Beirut today with President of Lebanon Michel Sulayman as well as the ministers of the new government, who just assumed office last week: Prime Minister Najib Mikat, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Minister of the Interior Marwan Charbel, Commander of the Armed Forces Jean Kahwag, and other Lebanese officials.

Foreign Minister Paet said that the members of Lebanon’s new government, with Prime Minister Mikat at the head, confirmed that the release of the seven Estonian citizens and their return home is also extremely important to the new government. “The representatives of Lebanon’s new government understand that abductions leave a mark on Lebanon’s reputation and affect tourism and the entire economy. Therefore they want for this situation to be resolved as soon as possible. It’s also clear that attention will continue to be given to the circumstances of the seven Estonians’ abduction until the situation is resolved,” he added.

During the meetings, Paet said that Estonia appreciates the co-operation with Lebanon that has taken place so far in the search for the Estonian citizens. “But Estonia’s goal is to reach a positive resolution to this incident and have the Estonians return home. Only then will it be possible to give a final assessment,” he noted.

The Estonian foreign minister said it is encouraging that after a months-long negotiation period Lebanon has a new government. “This strengthens stability in the country and is essential for continuing co-operation with the Lebanese authorities. The Lebanese police and security forces have already worked very closely together with Estonia, and this co-operation will continue,” Paet said.

President of Lebanon Sulayman also said during his meeting with Paet that the Lebanese services will continue to work on resolving the abduction of the Estonians until the Estonian citizens are back at home.

The situation in Syria was discussed at the meetings with the president and prime minister. Paet stated that the leaders of Lebanon are in contact with the leaders of Syria in order to ensure, if necessary, co-operation on the part of Syria for resolving the situation there.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Mansour, Paet also spoke about intensifying Estonia-Lebanon bilateral relations. “It would be practical to set up regular political consultations in order to reach this goal,” he said.

According to Foreign Minister Paet, Estonia will also continue co-operating with other countries in the region in addition to Lebanon in order to find the abducted Estonians.
 

16 December (BNS)

Both Estonia and Portugal stand behind retaining a functioning and liberal common market in the European Union, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves affirmed after his meeting with Portuguese Head of State Anibal Cavaco Silva in Lisbon.

During the meeting and working lunch at the Palace of Belem, bilateral relations and solutions for the EU financial and debt crisis were discussed. The presidents also talked about the painful setbacks of the economic downturn that forced both countries' governments to make difficult budget decisions. "The well-being of both our countries depends on export, which is why we support an integrated Europe and the cornerstone of its economy, the common euro currency," Ilves said. "Life has shown that open and prompt action to solve the crisis has helped avoid the worst and has been more effective than postponing solutions."

Transatlantic relations and co-operation within NATO were also under discussion at the meeting. "Estonia and Portugal have always been aware of the importance of transatlantic relations and view the role of the United States in global security policy as an important one," the Estonian head of state said after the meeting.

At the end of the meeting Ilves invited his Portuguese colleague to pay a visit to Estonia.

Like Ilves, Silva was re-elected to office this year.
 

10 June

At his meeting today with European Commissioner for International Co-operation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised the importance of the European Union’s unified quick response in providing aid during emergency situations. “The European Union must strengthen its ability to react to major disasters,” stated Foreign Minister Paet.  Paet and Georgieva discussed opportunities for making the union’s unified aid more effective.

Paet said that Estonia would like to be actively involved in helping to improve the situations of people in countries that have been torn apart by conflict or disasters. “Over the past five years, Estonia’s humanitarian aid has increased tenfold,” asserted Foreign Minister Paet. Already this year Estonia has supported women and children affected by violence and clashes in the Ivory Coast, Southern Sudanese refugees, activity to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers in Somalia, and victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Paet and Georgieva also spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Libya. Foreign Minister Paet noted that the situation in Libya, especially in the western part of the country, is extremely distressing, and the international community should help the victims of the Libya conflict. “The continuation of the conflict will cause the situation of Libyan residents to get even worse, since the supplies needed for everyday life are running out. International aid organisations should be given access to those in distress in Libya, so that aid would reach those who need it,” said Paet. “The humanitarian crisis that has developed as a result of the Libya conflict is affecting the surrounding countries as well,” he noted.

Paet said that Estonia has helped to alleviate the difficult humanitarian situation of victims and refugees of the Libyan conflict through donations to the International Red Cross and the World Food Programme.

Over 800 000 people have left Libya since the conflict erupted. In the eastern part of the nation there are an estimated 200 000 internally displaced persons. The World Food Programme has said that Libya’s food supply will run out within 6 to 8 weeks, first in the eastern part of the country.

Foreign Minister Paet and Commissioner Georgieva also spoke about the humanitarian situation in Southern Sudan. Paet invited the EU commissioner for co-operation, humanitarian aid and crisis response to visit Estonia.
 

25 October

President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who was invited to Boston as a keynote speaker at the top level "2012 Transatlantic Health IT/eHealth Co-operation Assembly", an eHealth event organised by the European Union and the United States of America, explored answers to the following question in his presentation: what are the co-operation opportunities between the EU and the USA in the contemporary organisation of medicine, which is largely dependent on information technology?

President Ilves, who led the European Union e-health work group for a year and a half at the proposal of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, highlighted placing the focus on citizens – both as patients and clients – as the most important aspect. "We will give people access to their own medical records, teach them how to use this information and motivate them to take the responsibility for their own health," told the Estonian head of state.

The president also used an analogy from banking in his explanation: ten years ago, Estonian people went to bank offices and the teller performed their transactions for them; today, most of us have assumed the role of the teller ourselves. "Why could a citizen not make the same e-leap in the sphere of health? Citizens, above all, and not doctors or governments, should be the possessors and users of their medical records," mused President Ilves.

For many years, the European Union and the United States of America have co-operated in promoting e-health; the memorandum of mutual understanding was concluded in this sphere in December 2010.

The Estonian head of state reminded those present that the citizens of the European Union and the United States of America rely on a sufficient culture of trust towards the state and state institutions; therefore, health care services based on IT opportunities that cover countries and extend beyond them are easier to build. "We cannot always compete with Asian producers in the sphere of technology; however, we are strong enough when it comes to the provision of a full service package, where equipment comes with links to different health care data libraries."

The technical solutions required for that purpose are available, assured President Ilves, saying that it is also important to educate people, apart from just actions taken by governments. "We are talking about fundamental changes in our ways of thinking. We should start by taking baby steps," he said.
 

2 July

At a meeting today with members of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip outlined the developments that have taken place in Estonia’s electronic services. “94% of all tax returns were completed online during the last round of declarations – not 9.4% or 0.94%, but 94%,” Ansip explained. E-solutions are developed and perfected on a day-to-day basis in Estonia and demand for them is great. Both the state and private sectors contribute significantly to their advancement.

“Perhaps our biggest advantage in developing and adopting e-solutions was that we started from nothing,” Prime Minister Ansip said. “That’s precisely what we had to do with our economy, too – and the Estonia you see today is a completely different country to the one you would have encountered 20 years ago.”

Minister of Finance Jürgen Ligi also met with the high-level delegation from the United States, whose members showed an interest in the economic situation in Estonia, the country’s reforms, and its euro zone policy. Ligi outlined the choices that Estonia has made as a country with a small, open economy, saying that in combination with joining the euro zone these choices had boosted Estonia’s reputation abroad and guaranteed sustainable state financing.

“When the recession hit, our choice was clear: not to live beyond our means,” Ligi said. “We saw an opportunity for much-needed reforms, and at the end of the day our decisions turned out to have been the right ones.” The members of the delegation were also interested in Estonia’s taxation system, particularly in terms of the business environment and the income tax incentives extended to companies.

“But we wouldn’t have enjoyed any of this success without the freedom to pursue it,” Prime Minister Ansip said at the meeting. “Relations between Estonia and the United States have always been good, and continue to be today. U.S. recognition of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania under the Soviet occupation was a big thing for us. The Voice of America was a big thing, too.” The prime minister thanked the congressmen for America welcoming Estonians to its shores and giving them the chance to live a comfortable life there.

The head of the U.S. delegation, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, thanked Prime Minister Ansip for Estonia’s contribution and dedication to Afghanistan. The prime minister confirmed that Estonia would remain in Afghanistan for as long as necessary.

17 April

Today in Kadriorg President Toomas Hendrik Ilves presented the Order of the Cross of the Eagle I Class to Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who was in charge of the development of NATO's defence plans for the Baltic States and Poland and who commands the flights made by NATO fighters in the Baltic airspace.

"The Order of the Cross of the Eagle I Class is our highest acknowledgement for the work you have done in support of our country and to ensure the powerful protection of our democratic alliance," said the Estonian head of state when presenting the decoration, as he described the efforts of Admiral Stavridis in developing NATO's defence plans for the Baltic states and Poland as "of determining importance". "The Cross of the Eagle is a sign of our gratitude for your support to Estonia and the principles that Estonia holds dear."

According to President Ilves, NATO's current operation in Afghanistan shows that allied forces can operate in a number of places, sustainably and with success.

"However, we also admit that after the ISAF mission is wound up, the world will probably not become a more peaceful place. This is why NATO must always be ready to respond to security problems," emphasised Ilves, who expressed his pleasure with the fact that the allied forces are discussing how to maintain NATO's speed and co-operation capabilities even after the completion of the ISAF mission.

All the allies must take cyber security very seriously, President Ilves confirmed. "We must understand that cyber security means the integrated protection of our society. In other words, cyber security is not just military protection. No country can be a lonely island in cyber space,” he said.

Admiral Stavridis emphasised, in his response address, that Estonia is a model ally that lives up to its promises and has increased its defence expenses to two per cent of GDP. "NATO's Co-operative Centre of Excellence for Cyber Defence is an excellent example of Estonia's contribution to the alliance," he stressed.

15 January

At his meeting with Swedish Minister of Defence Karin Enström during the Sälen security conference in Sweden, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the bilateral defence co-operation between Estonia and Sweden, which focuses on practical activities, is very successful. “Examples of this practical co-operation are participation in the European Union Nordic Battle Group, growing co-operation in defence procurements, participation in the work of the Baltic Defence College, and working together in the field of cyber defence,” Paet listed.

Paet noted that Estonia highly values Sweden’s work in the European Union Nordic Battle Group. “The Nordic Battle Group has been one of the best-prepared battle groups in the European Union,” stated the Estonian foreign minister. “Participation in European Union battle groups is and will remain one of Estonia’s national priorities in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy,” he added.

Paet said that Estonia greatly appreciates Sweden’s support for the work of the Baltic Defence College. “It is very positive that a year ago Sweden once again decided to continue supporting the college,” he said.

The Estonian foreign minister said that Nordic-Baltic (NB8) defence co-operation is one of Estonia’s long-term strategic goals. “It will take years and must correspond to practical needs and reciprocal interests,” Paet noted.

In talking about co-operation in the area of cyber security, Paet recognised Sweden’s participation in the NATO Collective Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. “We have always encouraged the Nordic countries to participate in the work of the cyber defence centre, and Sweden has served as a very good example,” he added.

Paet emphasised that cyber defence should also be a major topic in the defence co-operation among the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. “Cyber security is essential for protecting our common political and economic space,” he stated.

12 March

During his meeting with Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn in Tallinn today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia’s co-operation with Luxembourg and more broadly with all the Benelux countries as well as Latvia and Lithuania has led to particularly useful co-operation in the consular sector. “We would like for the European Union to see our example and begin thinking about how important and necessary it is to intensify consular co-operation in the European Union in general,” Paet noted.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the co-operation among Estonia, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Latvia and Lithuania in the consular sector has brought about many practical activities. “We work together on new initiatives that help to increase the accessibility of consular services and aid for our citizens,” said Paet. The foreign minister said that the three primary areas of co-operation are crisis co-operation, joint visa centres, and taking biometric identifiers from the citizens of other countries. “Estonia is prepared to represent Luxembourg for the issuing of visas in Sydney,” he noted.

Paet and Asselborn also addressed opportunities to intensify bilateral relations between the countries. The Estonian foreign minister said that Luxembourg is interested in development information technology co-operation with us. “For example, Luxembourg is interested in our ID card and internet banking solutions,” said Paet. The foreign minister thanked Luxembourg for its financial contribution to the air policing mission over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and invited Luxembourg to join the NATO Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn.

In talking about international developments, the foreign ministers emphasised the ongoing need to find a solution to the Syria crisis. “We support the work of Special Representative Brahimi in resolving the crisis and his proposals on the subject,” said Paet. The foreign minister pointed out that in addition to finding a political solution to the crisis we must also address the issue of Syrian refugees, which is becoming more serious by the day. “The number of refugees in Syria’s neighbouring countries now exceeds a million, and this has a significant effect on the entire region,” he added.

At their meeting, the foreign ministers also talked about matters related to Afghanistan and the fact that the country needs the firm support of the international community even after 2014. The ministers also touched on the subjects of Eastern Partnership as well as the situations in Ukraine and Russia.

 

10 February

At his meeting in Prague today with Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the NATO countries reaching an agreement on continuing the policing of the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is extremely important to Estonia. “From now on, protecting the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is a long-term mission with no end date. The solution is one of the best examples of NATO’s effectiveness in implementing the concept of smart defence,” he said. The foreign minister added that Estonia highly values the Czech Republic’s contribution to guarding Estonia’s airspace. “The Czech Republic last participated in the NATO air policing mission in 2009, and in the second half of this year the Czech Republic will be guarding our airspace again,” Paet said.

The foreign ministers also spoke about the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago. Taking into account the fact that many countries have cut their defence spending, Paet says that at the springtime NATO summit dedication to collective defence must be affirmed. “Other important topics for Estonia at the summit are cyber security and strengthening cyber defence, and the continuation of NATO’s open-door policy,” said Paet. “At the summit we must also send a clear signal to Afghanistan about continuing support even after the year 2014,” he added.

Paet invited the Czech Republic to join the NATO Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. In regards to bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Paet noted that co-operation between Estonia and the Czech Republic in visa work will start soon. “The Czech Republic will start to represent Estonia for the issuing of visas in Iraq, Malaysia, and Mongolia,” said Paet. Another topic addressed at the meeting was supporting each other’s candidacies in international organisations. Paet and Schwarzenberg also discussed further EU enlargement, energy security, and matters related to EU-Russia relations.
 

7 April

The Foreign Ministry is aiding victims of the crisis in Syria through the UN Emergency Response Fund for Syria (ERF) with 50 000 euros.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that it is essential for Syria to follow the peace plan proposed by Special Envoy of the UN and the Arab league Kofi Annan. “The tense situation in Syria continues to be alarming. Violence against civilians and human rights violations must stop,” said the foreign minister. “It is also very important that aid organisations are allowed access to injured people and others in need so that they can distribute humanitarian aid,” he added.

On 29 March the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) called on all donors to contribute to the newly created Emergency Response Fund for Syria. Resources from the fund are being used to provide aid through UN sub-organisations as well as partner organisations in Syria as the security situation in the country allows. Currently the Syrian government has allowed for a daily 2-hour “humanitarian pause” for aid to be brought in and for the injured to be evacuated. The first aid kits with food and hygiene products reached 2 000 people on 28 March. According to UN data, nearly 11 000 people have dies due to the present conflict in Syria. Syrians numbering 44 000 have fled to neighbouring Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, and there up to a million people in Syria who are in need of aid. The Syrian government has agreed to pass aid along to those in need in co-operation with the Syrian Red Crescent Association.

The first people to receive aid are the injured, internally displaced persons, host families, and people who lack direct access to food and essential services. Currently the greatest need is for food and basic household items, medical aid, and psychological counselling. Other primary needs are continuing education for children and protecting the people.
 

3 July

Negotiations for the international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) will begin at the UN conference in New York. The Estonian delegation is being led by Estonian Permanent Representative to the UN Margus Kolga, who emphasises the need to conclude such a treaty.

Ambassador Margus Kolga states that the international Arms Trade Treaty would be the first legally binding international agreement between countries that would set international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons. “Concluding such an agreement is especially important because at the moment there is not a single international convention regulating the transfer of conventional weapons,” the ambassador says.

The conclusion of the ATT would help to ensure peace and security all over the world. “Also important to Estonia is the human rights aspect, since concluding the treaty would help to prevent weapon transfers that violate human rights, international humanitarian law, or arms embargos,” Kolga states. By preventing illegal arms trade, the international agreement would also help to fight terrorism and organised crime. The agreement, which would make it harder for weapons to end up on the black market, would help to reduce civilian victims in conflict zones.

Therefore, Ambassador Kolga states, Estonia supports concluding a strong, effective and universal agreement that would set shared and strict international standards that states would have to consider when making supply decisions and that would increase states’ responsibility for weapons shipments and the transparency of transfers.

Negotiations on the international Arms Trade Treaty in New York will last until 27 July.

20 December

At his meeting in Reykjavik with Icelandic Foreign Minister Össur Skarpheðinsson, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Estonia hopes that Iceland’s accession negotiations with the European Union will continue. “Iceland’s accession to the European Union would be useful for both sides,” Paet noted “With its dedication and good preparation, Iceland serves as a good example for other aspiring EU candidate countries,” he added.

Paet stated that it is important to note that the accession negotiations with Iceland in Brussels have reached negotiations on taxation and environmental issues. “We believe that even on more complicated topics, such as fishery, it will be possible to reach an agreement that takes into account Iceland’s unique characteristics while also protecting the principles of the EU,” said Paet. “We hope that many new negotiation chapters will be opened prior to the parliamentary elections in Iceland in the spring.”

Foreign Minister Paet also confirmed that Estonia is prepared to share its experiences in joining the European Union with Iceland both bilaterally and in co-operation with the European Commission. In talking about bilateral relations, Paet and Skarpheðinsson confirmed that the countries understand each other very well and have good practical co-operation. “Iceland is welcome to come work in our embassy space in Beijing as soon as it is completed next year,” said Paet.

At the meeting, Paet and Skarphedinsson also discussed NATO and the NATO air policing mission in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. “As of the year 2015, Ämari air base will be completely ready to help with the air policing of the Baltic States,” said Paet.

The foreign ministers also discussed co-operation among the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) and co-operation within the UN.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet also has meetings scheduled in Reykjavik with President of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Parliament (Alþing) Speaker Ásta Ragnheiður Jóhannesdóttir, the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, and representatives of the Icelandic business community, to whom he will talk about Estonia’s adoption of the euro and European Union membership.
 

15 March

At a meeting in Tunis with Minister of Administrative Reform of Tunisia Mohamed Abbou, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia is prepared to share its experiences with carrying out reforms and developing democracy with Tunisia, which is currently in the process of making changes. “During the past year many important changes have taken place in Tunisia that have made governing more open, but the transition has not yet been irreversibly completed. The promotion of democracy and development of rule of law that came about as a result of the Arab Spring can be supported by information technology solutions, which make governing more effective and more transparent,” said Paet.

“Estonia’s e-government and our e-solutions are of interest to Tunisia,” he added. Paet stated that Estonia is prepared to share its e-state solutions with Tunisia as well as invite Tunisian officials and experts to Estonia to become acquainted with our systems. He added that potential areas for co-operation with Tunisia are electronic e-services, cyber security, raising awareness of an e-state, and creating the opportunity for individuals to identify themselves electronically. “Estonia has a good deal of experience in all these areas and has well-developed practical solutions,” Paet noted.

At his meeting with Minister of Communication Technologies Mongi Marzouk, Foreign Minister Paet spoke about Estonia’s e-solutions and implementing an e-government in Tunisia. “Out of Europe’s southern partners, Tunisia has been the quickest in its transition to an open society, and Estonia along with the entire European Union is prepared to support it,” he added.

16 March

The Foreign Ministry is donating 7 000 euros to support the participation of an Estonian doctor in the Doctors Without Borders organisation’s mission to Libya and the purchase of medicine for victims of the widespread methanol poisoning happening in the country.

To date, over 60 people in Libya have died as a result of consuming alcohol that contains methanol and close to 700 that have suffered from methanol poisoning are in serious or critical condition.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the methanol epidemic in Libya could last for several more weeks. “Libya is asking for international support to help treat the victims in the capital city of Tripoli and in other hospitals,” Paet noted. “Therefore we decided to support the mission of Doctors Without Borders to Libya with funds for buying medicines and antidotes,” he added.

Within the framework of Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontiéres, MSF), toxicology experts will go to Libya to give aid to those who have been poisoned and provide them with the appropriate medicines. Pärnu Hospital anaesthesiologist Dr. Raido Paasma will be joining the mission and his participation is being supported by the Foreign Ministry.

The consumption and sale of alcohol is illegal in Libya, but alcohol can be procured illegally on the black market.

19 April

At his meeting in Tallinn today with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia supports Latvia joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the euro zone. “We hope that Latvia will soon become a member of the euro zone. We would also like to see Latvia among the OECD member states,” Paet confirmed.

At the meeting, the foreign ministers also spoke about Estonia-Latvia bilateral co-operation. They spoke at length about economic and trade relations and regional co-operation. Latvia is Estonia’s fourth export and import partner. “Last year Estonian export to Latvia grew 15%, and Latvia is the third most important destination for investments by our entrepreneurs,” said Paet. The foreign minister added that it is also positive that good contacts among people in the two countries are becoming closer all the time. “Last year the number of Latvian tourists that visited Estonia hit a record of over 100 000,” he said.

At the meeting, Paet noted that Estonia highly values Latvia’s contribution to the work of the NATO Cyber Defence Centre. “The number of members of the centre is constantly growing. In April Iceland announced that it would also like to join,” stated the foreign minister.

When talking about regional co-operation matters, Foreign Minister Paet emphasised the importance of transport- and energy-related projects. “In order to make progress with Rail Baltic, we must keep moving forward with the project in accordance with the agreements,” he said. The goal of energy-related co-operation is to increase our energy security by increasing and diversifying the number of supply channels.

Co-operation among the local governments along the Estonia-Latvia border also functions very well. “In 2004 a commission was formed by the Estonian and Latvian ministries to improve cross-border co-operation,” Paet noted, adding that today over 60 joint co-operation projects have been approved within the framework of the Estonia-Latvia programme. “One good example is co-operation between Valga and Valka. For example, since last fall it is possible for Latvian students to study at the Valga vocational school. At the art school on the Valka side, it is possible for children from Valga to study in Estonian-language groups,” said Paet, listing examples of well-functioning practical co-operation. 

The foreign minister also noted that Estonia has started making preparations for its Baltic Sea Year of 2014, when it will lead many regional co-operation formats: Baltic co-operation, Nordic-Baltic co-operation, and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. “Estonia sees potential future development of Baltic co-operation through closer communication with the Nordic countries to help create a more unified feeling in the Nordic-Baltic region. Creating this kind of synergy is one of our priorities during the Baltic Sea Year,” said Paet.

During their meeting the ministers also spoke about matters related to eastern partnership as well as important international issues and security policy matters.

4 September

Attending the meeting of the foreign ministers of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia (NB8) today in Vilnius, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet underlined that comprehensive co-operation between all eight states is extremely important and should be intensified.

Paet noted that he thinks it is important to make the common political voice of NB8 heard at  the international stage, and therefore he welcomes closer foreign and security policy dialogue between the NB8 states. “For instance, when it comes to the Eastern Partnership, we are all convinced that the eastern region of the EU needs our continued attention and support,” Paet said. However, the foreign minister said there is still some room for thought on how to achieve even more together. “For instance, we engage in active daily co-operation to support the International Criminal Court, but sometimes the world lacks sufficient political support for the court’s work,” he said.

At the meeting, the foreign ministers also discussed the future of the European Union, including economic and fiscal policy and the European financial framework for 2014-2020. According to Paet, it is necessary to have greater economic integration within the euro area. In order to achieve smart growth, it is necessary to pay attention to structural reforms on the job market, improve the quality of education, continue to endorse scientific and development activities and innovation, and take advantage of digital possibilities. “Our region also needs to move on with developing a digital common market,” he added.

Speaking about energy, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that for Estonia, it is essential to do  away with so-called energy islands by 2015. “The more different connections we have in the Nordic-Baltic region, the more efficient and flexible we are and the greater is Estonia’s energy security,” he emphasised.

The Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers discussed important international developments, including the situation in the Middle East and Syria. The foreign ministers also met with President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė.

NB8 is a regional co-operation format, comprising Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Estonia will hold the presidency of NB8 in 2014, the same year we take over co-ordinating the Baltic Co-operation and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Estonia plans to name 2014 the Baltic Sea Year, and one aim is to achieve greater accord and practical contacts between the various co-operation formats.

10 September

Today in Tallinn Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja agreed to send a Finnish exchange diplomat to the Estonian Embassy in Georgia. “The agreement we concluded is a good example of the effective and practical co-operation between the foreign ministries of Estonia and Finland. An Estonian diplomat has earlier worked in the Finnish Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia in a similar exchange,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

At their meeting, the foreign ministers expressed their satisfaction over the ongoing growth in Estonia-Finland trade. “Finland remains Estonia’s greatest trade partner and we are pleased to see that Finnish entrepreneurs’ interest in the Estonian market continues to grow,” said Paet. Trade with Finland makes up 14% of Estonia’s total trade turnover.

Foreign Minister Paet said that both countries share common interests in the region, the European Union, and in various international forums. “We are happy to see closer co-operation and overlapping interests in regional transport and energy issues,” Paet added. Finnish has announced that it will participate in the Rail Baltic task force.

Paet and Tuomioja noted that the legal assistance agreement that came into force this summer has significantly simplified the bureaucracy and lowered costs for both Estonian and Finnish citizens. In accordance with the agreement, documents from the population registries are reciprocally recognised without an apostille.

In talking about the conflict in Syria, Paet and Tuomioja condemned the continuation of violence and emphasised that the international community must do everything possible to end the violence in Syria. “The continuing violence in Syria is unacceptable; all armed activity in Syria must stop. Investigations should also begin into possible crimes against humanity and violations of human rights committed during the conflict,“ said Paet. Last weekend the European Union foreign ministers enforced stricter sanctions against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and increased aid for alleviating the humanitarian crisis. Paet stated that Estonia participated in the Syria supervision mission UNSMIS and if necessary is prepared to support the UN’s ongoing presence in Syria, which will help facilitate a peaceful transition in the country.

According to Paet, Estonia would also like to develop co-operation with Finland within the UN, for example in the areas of humanitarian co-operation, peacekeeping, sustainable development, human rights, international law, and the work of the International Criminal Court. “Co-operation with Finland and the other Nordic and Baltic countries is essential, especially in light of the Nordic region’s UN philosophy and the understanding that small countries working together within an international organisation can bring significant added value,” Paet said. He added that Estonia values Finland’s support for Estonia’s candidature to be a member of the UN Human Rights Council from 2013-2015. The elections will take place on 12 November 2012.

10 July

At his meeting in Ulan Bator, Mongolia with Secretary of State of the United States of America Hillary Clinton, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia greatly appreciates the steadily intensifying bilateral co-operation with the USA in foreign policy, security issues, and many other areas as well. “The new project just announced jointly by Estonia and the USA for advising emerging democracies and their leaders, LEND (Leaders Engaged in New Democracies), is one good example of this,” Paet noted.

“We also consider co-operation with the USA in the development co-operation sector very important, and we would like to continue carrying out joint development co-operation projects.” Paet highlighted the successful joint development co-operation activities of Estonia and the USA in Tunisia, Belarus, Moldova and Georgia.

US Secretary of State Clinton recognised the development of Estonia’s e-government and said that it is important to introduce Estonia’s e-solutions more extensively throughout the world.

Paet stated that Estonia is prepared to continue co-operating in the areas in which Estonia can offer its experience and added value. “This means first and foremost the development of democratic institutions, e-solutions, the utilisation of e-governance, and the creation of a business-friendly environment,” he said.

In talking about Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that the international community must continue to support Afghanistan to help maintain the developments made thus far. “This means supporting the development of education, the health care system, and human rights, as well as the advancement of democracy and the role of women,” Paet stated. “Afghanistan will remain a priority partner for Estonian development co-operation after 2014, and we consider the co-operation of Estonia and the USA involving Afghanistan to be very important,” he added.

13 January

Yesterday in Dushanbe during his meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the successful and stable development of the Central Asian countries is in the interest of both Estonia and the European Union’s security and well-being.

At the meeting, the foreign minister expressed satisfaction over the fact that Tajikistan’s relations with the European Union have developed rapidly after the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement came into effect in 2010. “The goal is to facilitate development and establish good administrative practice in Tajikistan. Other goals include the development of agriculture, land reform, public sector reform and economic reforms, development of infrastructure, energy efficiency, and increasing the capabilities of civil society,” he added.

Paet also noted during the meeting that in general there are many opportunities for co-operation between the European Union and Central Asia. “For example, we feel it is important to intensify economic and trade relations and engage in greater co-operation in the transport and energy sectors,” he stated. “Estonia supports implementing the European Union’s Central Asia Strategy,” he added.

Tajikistani President Rahmon stated that Tajikistan is interested in Estonia’s experiences with reforming its society. Paet stated that Estonia is also ready to share its experiences and support Tajikistan on its road to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “We hope that Tajikistan’s negotiations for joining the WTO will come to a close by the end of this year,” he added.

The Estonian foreign minister added that hopefully the new transport and energy connections between Tajikistan and Afghanistan will be completed soon, as they would create more opportunities for economic development. Paet stated that regional co-operation for preventing cross-border crime, fighting against the narcotics trade, and strengthening the border police are important for the stabilisation of Afghanistan.
 

28 February

At his meeting in Rome with Secretary of State of the United States of America John Kerry, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia is interested in continuing close security co-operation bilaterally and in NATO. “The best expression of NATO’s visibility and collective responsibility is NATO air policing in the Baltic region,” Paet noted. “Estonia would like for one air policing rotation per year to be stationed at Ämari air base starting in 2015,” he added. 

Paet said that Estonia will also continue co-operating with the USA in Afghanistan. “We work together with the USA on special operations and, if necessary, we are willing to continue contributing after 2014 as well,” said the Estonian foreign minister. “We would also like to continue carrying out development co-operation projects in co-operation with the USA,” said Paet. He added that previously we have had successful joint projects in Moldova and Belarus. “We would like to find opportunities to carry out projects in, for example, Central Asia as well,” he noted.

In talking about cyber co-operation, Paet said that Estonia is interested in that area both within NATO and bilaterally. “In would be useful to get development plans for bilateral cyber co-operation in writing in a joint declaration of co-operation,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

The foreign minister also talked about internet freedom, and Paet invited Kerry to participate in the Freedom Online Coalition meeting taking place in Tallinn in 2014.

Paet stated that it is also essential to start negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and USA.

During the meeting the US secretary of state mentioned the USA’s exceptionally good and strategic partnership ties with Europe. “These are confirmed by the fact that my first foreign visit was to Europe,” he stated. Kerry said that co-operation between the USA and Estonia is multilateral and close.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with Secretary of State John Jerry together with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius. During the meeting Paet expressed support for Latvia and Lithuania’s wish to become members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

17 February

At the tourism fair TOUREST today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted that last year the Foreign Ministry completed a third more consular tasks than it had in 2010. “In 2011 Estonian consuls carried out a total of 50 118 registered consular procedures,” said Paet.

According to the foreign minister, the types of procedures that increased the most were those meant for Estonian citizens living abroad. “Estonian consuls have made a significant contribution to, for example, recording information on citizens’ place of residence by completing the procedure to register a person’s permanent place of residence,” he noted. “I’m also pleased to see that more and more citizens are registering themselves with the Foreign Ministry prior to travelling,” he added.

While the number of consular tasks in general increased, Foreign Minister Paet said it is a good thing that the number of consular aid situations was not greater in 2011 than it was in 2010. “Citizens are now more knowledgeable and aware, so they’re doing more preparation work prior to going on a trip,” he stated.

Paet also emphasised that as a result of co-operation done with other European Union member states, it is possible for our citizens to get help in countries where Estonia does not have a representation or honorary consul. “Estonian citizens are guaranteed to get urgently needed consular aid in practically every region in the world. In 2011 other member states helped our citizens in Fiji, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar, to name a few,” the foreign minister stated. “If someone has an urgent question or needs help he can also call the Foreign Ministry’s consular aid hotline 24/7,” he added.

Expanding our network of foreign representations will also help to better aid Estonian citizens abroad. “In 2011 we opened an embassy in Astana and a consulate general in Sydney. This year we will open an embassy in India,” Paet noted.

The foreign minister said that the Foreign Ministry will also continue to conclude representation agreements with other European Union countries. “In 2011 it became possible to apply for a visa to visit Estonia in, for example, Cuba and the Republic of South Africa, where Estonia is represented by Sweden. In January of 2012 we concluded an agreement with Lithuania, which will start to represent us in Almaty. In 2012 Italy will start representing Estonia in Kosovo and Estonia will start representing Lithuania in Sydney,” said Paet. Currently Estonia has concluded representation agreements for the issuing of visas in 84 countries.
 

18 March

The Foreign Ministry is supporting a conference on reforms and modernisation in Belarus. The conference is a civil society initiative and will take place in Tallinn from 29-31 March. 

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia would like to support the civil society of Belarus because only carefully considered, focused, and continuous support will allow the civil society of Belarus to develop. “European Union-Belarus relations are complicated right now, but the civil society and the little free media that is available in Belarus require our ongoing support,” Paet noted. “Estonia has also increased the support given to civil society within the framework of development co-operation,” he added.

Paet stated that Estonia also supports the civil society of Belarus with information technology-related training. “We would like to raise awareness in Belarusian civil society of e-governance, opportunities to utilise information and communications technology, and cyber security,” said Paet. He added that Estonia also supports the studies of Belarusian students in Estonia. “Belarusians participate in the courses offered at the Estonian Centre of Eastern Partnership as well,” he stated.

The conference “Perspectives of Reforms and Modernisation in Belarus” taking place at the end of March is being organised by the NPO New Way for Belarus, www.valgevene.ee. The goal is to co-ordinate the work of Belarusian and EU think tanks and draw attention to the current situation in Belarus and to the country’s reform perspective and modernisation.
 

6 May

At his meeting with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Yutaka Banno, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Estonia feels it is essential that the international community support Japan as it copes with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Banno gave Foreign Minister Paet an overview of recent developments in managing the aftermath of the natural disasters as well as the situation at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Estonia has provided aid to Japan totalling 200 000 euros, and Estonian citizens have donated tens of thousands of euros to support the victims in Japan.

Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for UN Security Council reform. “Estonia supports Japan being added to the permanent members of the UN Security Council,” he added.

Paet and Banno discussed starting negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and Japan. According to Foreign Minister Paet, Estonia supports liberalising EU-Japan trade if all the prerequisites are fulfilled and the barriers to get into the market have been removed. “We consider Japan an important partner with whom we share common values and who plays an essential role in promoting these values, particularly in Asia,” the foreign minister added.

Bilateral relations between Estonia and Japan are very good, but economic relations would get a boost from the concluding of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. Paet said that concluding such an agreement is a priority of Estonia’s bilateral relations with Japan. “Estonia’s location is favourable for Japanese businesses transporting goods to the Baltic Sea region and Russia,” Paet asserted.

Estonian producers of wooden houses are also interested in entering the Japanese market. When talking about Estonia-Japan economic relations, Foreign Minister Paet also highlighted positive co-operation with the Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi. The manufacturer is helping to develop a charging network for electric cars that will cover all of Estonia, and by the end of 2011 the social workers of local municipal governments will be driving Mitsubishi MieV electric cars. Paet emphasised that Estonia is interested in deepening co-operation in the IT sector and finding new projects.

“We would also like to name an honorary consul to Osaka, which would help to intensify bilateral relations even more,” said Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. This year marks 90 years since diplomatic relations were first established between Estonia and Japan and 20 years since diplomatic relations were restored.

Prime Minister Andrus Ansip also met with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Banno. Prime Minister Ansip asked Banno to pass on the condolences of all Estonians to the loved ones of those lost and those who suffered in the recent earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Banno expressed his thanks for the assistance Estonia has offered to his country in the wake of the natural disaster. The deputy minister said he greatly appreciated Estonia’s continued faith in the quality of Japanese technology and goods, which is great recognition for his country. During the meeting Prime Minister Ansip expressed his hope that the large-scale deals entered into in recent times between Estonia and Japanese companies would increase interest in the region among other enterprises in Japan.

 

13 December

At his meeting in New York yesterday with current Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno Ocampo and the newly chosen next prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia has been a supporter of the ICC since its inception. “We have also created the position of a special representative for ICC affairs, which will allow Tiina Intelmann to fully dedicate herself to leading the ICC Assembly of States Parties for the next three years,” said Paet.

Paet noted that the regular functioning of the court is supported by the efficient co-operation of the states and high-level political and diplomatic support. “Therefore we support the creation of an ICC support group at the level of the ministers of justice and foreign affairs, which would be the best way to co-ordinate diplomatic and political support for the court’s activities,” Paet said. He confirmed Estonia’s readiness to participate in such a group.

At the meeting all three parties agreed that the court should not be viewed as solely a legal institution. “In the long-term perspective, the work of the court will help to prevent new crimes against humanity from being committed and help to reduce the occurrence of crimes going unpunished,” said Paet. “The court can also have a positive influence on states’ political landscapes, eliminating the opportunity for individuals accused of crimes to participate in political or community life,” he added.

 

12 August

The President of the Republic met with William Hague, Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, and discussed the future of NATO in Afghanistan and the budget policy of the European Union. President Ilves thanked the government of Great Britain for its excellent organisation of the Olympic Games and the assistance made available in British hospitals and rehabilitation care centres to Estonian soldiers who have been wounded in Afghanistan.

"Being countries with responsible budgetary policies, we share a common understanding regarding the expenditure policies of the European Union having to meet the current economic opportunities and the need to emphasise the importance of free competition instead of protectionism as the prerequisite for economic growth," Ilves told.

The Estonian President and his spouse will today take part in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.

28 November

"Although we have been committed to the Visaginas nuclear power station project for six and a half years, it is still not clear how the Baltic states will be able to ensure their energy independence," stated President Toomas Hendrik Ilves after meeting with the Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite and Latvian President Andris Berzins.

Estonia is awaiting the final official position about the future of Visiginas nuclear power station and is concerned, above all, about the possible slow-down in the development of new electricity connection projects, particularly in the direction of Lithuania-Poland, confirmed the Estonian head of state at the meeting of the presidents of the Baltic states. "It is in the interests of all of us for the Baltic states to be freed from our status as the ‘energy island’ of the European Union," he emphasised.

President Ilves expressed his support for Lithuania's priorities during its presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2013; the priorities involve energy security, Eastern Partnership, the strengthening of common border administration measures, and the Baltic Sea Strategy. "These are all important issues for the Baltic states and the Baltic Sea region in general, as well as the European Union as a whole," said the Estonian head of state.

28 May

President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves met with President of the United States Barack Obama within the framework of the summit of presidents of Central European countries in Warsaw last night, later stressed that as a democratic Europe continues to need the United States, so needs the United States a democratic Europe, but only if Europe is strong and brave.

“Europe and the Unites States can now join their skills and will to help North African and Middle Eastern people who have stood up to the undemocratic regimes in their countries,” said President Ilves. “This is modern trans-Atlantic co-operation suitable for the 21st century, but only if a strong and brave Europe is one of its leaders.”

The head of state of Estonia noted that several European states who freed themselves from foreign oppression 20 years ago have experiences relevant to becoming a democratic market economy that abides by the rule of law. “Our lessons and our success give us a say,” said President Ilves.

“If this experience – our help – is needed, providing this help is our moral responsibility,” said President Ilves. “It is in the interests of both the democratic states of Europe and the United States of America that there are as many strong democratic economies and internationally responsible regions in the world as possible. In addition to our moral responsibility, there is a practical need to support the North African and Middle Eastern peoples who are demanding changes.”

But the prerequisite for all this has been the will of those people and their new leaders to build up a democratic society and their readiness to make an effort, to make decisions that are unpopular at first but later turn out to be exactly right, said President Ilves.
 

5 April

Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in St. Petersburg today. The main topics discussed were the relations between Estonia and Russia, economic issues, co-operation opportunities in various fields, and bilateral agreements.

Ansip and Medvedev agreed that positive developments could be seen in bilateral relations, to which their meeting attested. They were pleased about closer co-operation at the departmental level as well as between ordinary people.

Ansip stressed that for Estonia it is important that normal co-operation between Estonia and Russia be present at all levels. “I’m pleased that trade in goods has significantly grown, communication between people has become closer, and the number of Russian tourists visiting Estonia has increased a lot each year,” he said. Ansip noted that visa-free travel between the European Union and Russia would contribute to mutual relationships, but in order to establish this it would be necessary to fulfil the relevant technical conditions, including smooth border crossings. He added that the ever-increasing number of people crossing borders presents the two countries with the task of developing infrastructure at border points and more effectively organising customs and border controls.

“For us it’s important that the movement of people and goods in both directions takes place without any problems,” Ansip said.

The prime ministers agreed that a border agreement would be a prerequisite in promoting cross-border co-operation and developing border infrastructure. Both stated that they have come very close to an agreement during consultations. The government leaders also welcomed the progress made in the preparation of other bilateral agreements. Agreements on emergencies, diplomatic real estate, higher education, and avoiding double taxation were under consideration.

Areas in which Estonia and Russia could deepen co-operation were also discussed during the meeting. Among other things, Prime Minister Ansip showcased IT solutions implemented in Estonia and said that the country was prepared to share its experience with Russia. The government leaders agreed that cooperation in this field could benefit both parties.

At the meeting Medvedev also spoke about Russia’s decision to nominate Yekaterinburg as the organiser of EXPO 2020. Ansip said that Russia would definitely be a strong contender.

The bilateral meeting between Ansip and Medvedev took place after the Summit of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Ansip thanked Russia for the meeting, which focused on environmental co-operation. He said that issues related to the protection and environment of the Baltic Sea were important to all of the countries in the area and that resolving related problems was a common obligation.

21 October

In Mexico City Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Mexican Minister of Finance José Antonio Meade Kuribreña signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion between Estonia and Mexico.

“Estonia is interested in strengthening economic ties with one of the world’s leading industrial nations, chairman of the G20 and home to over a hundred million people,” said Paet. “The agreement is one way to facilitate the promotion of economic relations.”

When meeting with members of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), Paet said that Estonian entrepreneurs’ interest in Mexico is growing. “We feel it is important to create direct contacts between the chambers of commerce and industry in Estonia and Mexico and to organise reciprocal visits by business delegations,” Paet noted.

Paet stated that the experiences of Estonian IT companies working in Mexico have thus far been good. “Hopefully many more of Estonia’s innovative e-solutions, as well as companies from other sectors, will soon reach Mexico,” Paet added.
 

11 July (BNS)

At an extraordinary session on Monday, the Estonian government decided to recognise the independence of South Sudan and to establish diplomatic relations with the new country.

According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet this is an expression of clear political support to South Sudan. "South Sudan needs as wide as possible international support for building a stable and peaceful state. Recognition of the independence of South Sudan and the strengthening of its statehood will contribute to the improvement of the situation in the whole area," Paet said.

In the opinion of the government, it is the duty of the international community to avoid the further spread of violence in South Sudan and in a wider area there. It is also important to continue to give humanitarian aid, a spokesman for the government told BNS.

The peace treaty concluded in 2005 foresaw that an independence referendum would be carried out for South Sudan. The referendum took place in January 2011 and as a result South Sudan will become independent on 9 July. The government of Sudan has decided to recognise South Sudan as an independent country.

The Estonian government had an extraordinary session on Monday to discuss the recognition of South Sudan. The regular session of the government usually takes place on Thursday.
 

29 November

At a meeting of the European Union foreign trade ministers in Brussels, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that he feels it is important that the European Union conclude free trade agreements with important trade partners.

Paet stated that the European Union’s negotiations with Singapore are in the final stages and the conclusion of the agreement will improve the competitiveness of EU businesses and investors in Singapore as well as in Asia as a whole. “For Estonia it is most important that we get better access to Singapore’s services market, especially in the area of information technology and e-services but also in the areas of logistics and transportation and financial services,” Paet said.

Estonia also supports quickly wrapping up negotiations for a free trade agreement with Canada. “We hope that this can happen before the end of the year,” the foreign minister noted.

The foreign trade ministers also discussed opening free trade agreement negotiations with Japan and Morocco. “Japan is a major player in global trade and the market there is very large. Japan is also an important strategic and trade partner of the European Union,” Paet stated. “Estonia would like for co-operation between Japan and the EU to be as comprehensive as possible in order to create a long-term, well-functioning strategic partnership,” he added.

Preparations for free trade agreement talks with countries along the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea have developed the furthest with Morocco. “Promoting economic relations is an important element in guiding the EU’s southern neighbours toward reforms, and starting negotiations with Morocco will hopefully give a positive signal to others as well,” stated the Estonian foreign minister.

23 March

At a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Dublin today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the work done to build up the European External Action Service (EEAS) during its first two years has been positive. “However, the full functioning of the foreign service is a long-term assignment. Both the organisation and the quality of the work of the foreign service can be improved upon,” he noted.

According to Paet, Estonia would like for European Union delegations to play a greater role in aiding citizens in crisis situations, for example in co-coordinating potential evacuations. “We also support expanding the consular jurisdiction of the EU’s foreign service,” he added.

The Estonian foreign minister stated that the complicated challenges standing before the European Union’s common foreign policy require us to work more effectively and set good priorities. “Funding and political priorities must go hand-in-hand,” Paet said. Currently the Estonian state has sent 8 people to work in the foreign service and a total of 23 Estonians work in the European External Action Service.

In addition to strengthening the European foreign service, Estonia also feels that the European Union’s co-operation with regional organisations in conflict prevention, crisis management, and supporting democratic transitions is important, said Foreign Minister Paet during the discussion in Dublin.

“Recent positive examples of the European Union’s practical co-operation with regional organisations are working together with the Arab League in Syria and Libya and working to resolve the Mali crisis together with the Economic Community of West African States,” Paet stated. “Co-ordination and co-operation with local partners makes conflict prevention and crisis management more effective. Developments should focus on practical results and the purposeful use of capabilities.”

The Arab League has taken on an active role in resolving the toughest issues in the Arab world and has worked together with the international community. “This positive development should be promoted, and dialogue between the European Union and Arab League should continue on a high level,” said Paet. “We should focus on topics we can take on with similar approaches – for example regional crises like in Syria, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid, and the situation of refugees,” he added.

28 May

In today’s meeting in Tallinn, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Deputy Secretary General of NATO Alexander Vershbow discussed the future issues of the mission in Afghanistan, closer co-operation between allies, NATO enlargement and issues of capabilities development in ensuring security and facing new threats.

Speaking about Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the timetable on the transfer of security to Afghanistan agreed upon in Chicago was a necessary step towards ending the Afghanistan mission of the international security forces (ISAF). “However, the end of NATO’s military mission does not mean losing the support of the international community. The alliance will continue to support the country via training, consultations and aid missions,” Foreign Minister Paet said. Deputy Secretary General of NATO Alexander Vershbow recognised Estonia’s substantial contribution in stabilising Afghanistan.

Commenting on the indefinite extension of the Baltic air patrolling mission, Foreign Minister Paet expressed joy that NATO’s principle of smart defence was endorsed at the Chicago summit. “Baltic air policing is a great example of the smart unified action of NATO states, helping member states to cut expenses by way of co-operation,” Paet said.

Deputy Secretary General of NATO Alexander Vershbow also praised Estonia for contributing 2% of its GDP into the defence budget. Paet expressed concern that the reduction of defence spending by European states due to budgetary problems could affect NATO’s capability to react to external threats. The foreign minister added that contributing to the defence sector also assures the United States that Europe continues to be a reliable partner and makes a contribution to ensuring safety on an international level.

The two also talked about cyber security. Paet stressed that cyber defence issues are increasingly important for Estonia and the entire alliance. “In today’s world, we must increasingly take note of threats that emerge in cyberspace. Political issues related to cyber security need attention in addition to technical aspects,” he added. The NATO Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence located in Tallinn is already engaged on a high-level in various issues of cyber defence.

Paet thinks that regular extensive exercises are the best way to increase the visibility of NATO’s forces and ensure closer co-operation. “Holding exercises in the Baltic Sea region helps to spread NATO’s deterrence more evenly on the territory of the alliance. We therefore hope that the exercise ‘Steadfast Jazz 2013’ includes as many member states as possible,” Paet added.

Paet stressed that the Chicago summit sent a very strong signal to partners and aspiring states that their contribution and efforts are appreciated. “NATO must remain open to the states that wish to join the alliance. Estonia expects that the next summit will provide an opportunity to discuss the further enlargement of NATO in greater detail,” Foreign Minister Paet added.

23 May

During their meeting in Brussels today, the European Union foreign ministers supported the idea of opening a European Union representation in Benghazi, Libya in order to better co-ordinate future steps and to pressure Syria and Yemen to put an end to the violence. The foreign ministers also confirmed their continuing support for Egypt, Tunisia, and other countries in the region as they move towards democracy.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the international community’s ongoing consensus regarding the situation in Libya and the resignation of Gadhafi is important. “The main concerns are a quick end to the violence and humanitarian aid reaching those in need,” he added. Paet asserted that opening a European Union representation in Benghazi is an important step that would demonstrate the European Union’s desire to make a contribution in its nearby neighbourhood.

The foreign minister noted that protecting the rights of civilians and improving the humanitarian situation in Libya is extremely important to Estonia. The humanitarian situation is still cause for concern and Estonia has decided to donate 50 000 euros in food aid to victims of the conflict.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the European Union foreign ministers agree that support for Egypt and Tunisia will continue as the countries move towards democracy and develop their civil societies. “The European Union is concerned about the religion-based bursts of violence in Egypt—a solution should be found to avoid future conflicts,” said Paet.

“As it supports the development of Northern African and Middle Eastern countries, it is important that the European Union also open up its market to these countries more,” Paet added.

The European Union foreign ministers also addressed the situation that has developed in Camp Ashrat, a camp for Iranian refugees in Iraq, and violence against refugees. “The situation in Camp Ashrat requires rapid intervention by the European Union and the rest of the international community so that further violence may be prevented,” said Paet.
 

18 December

The Foreign Ministry is supporting the outfitting of the health care employee training centre located in the city of Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, as well as the general development of the health care sector in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the dedication and support of the international community remains essential for the building up of Afghanistan. In addition to a military contribution, Afghanistan also requires development aid until a situation is achieved in which the Afghans can manage the affairs of their own state and no longer depend on the help of donor countries. “Afghanistan needs the support of the international community, and Estonia’s contribution to help one of the poorest countries in the world is very welcomed,” said Paet.

The foreign minister noted that in recent years we have focused our development co-operation in Afghanistan on developing the health care sector of Helmand Province. “One very difficult circumstance in Helmand is the lack of qualified medical professionals. This is why Estonia is contributing to the outfitting of a health care training centre in the city of Lashkar Gah. The training centre will help to strengthen the feeble health care system, thereby helping to improve the quality of life of the people living in Helmand Province,” Paet noted.

The Foreign Ministry is also allocating funds to donate to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). Foreign Minister Paet stated that over 800 new schools have been established and 45 000 teachers trained with ARTF resources. Over 3 000 km of roads have been repaired in rural areas and a strong emphasis has also been placed on renovating the country’s energy supply system. “Also supported through the fund is the development of the health care sector in Helmand Province, which is a priority for Estonia,” he added.

The Foreign Ministry is supporting the development of Afghanistan’s health care sector by donating 65 000 US dollars through the United Kingdom’s Conflict Pool to support the outfitting of the health care training centre in Lashkar Gah and 250 000 euros through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund managed by the World Bank.
 

7 March

At his meeting with British Minister for Europe David Lidington in Tallinn today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that in order to achieve new economic growth we must focus on developing the European Union internal market. “We must focus on carrying out the reforms that are most essential in terms of competitiveness and will provide support for economic growth. In addition to developing the common internal and digital markets, we must also address the energy and transport sectors and the physical connections within the internal market,” said Paet.

During their discussion, Paet and Lidington also noted that with the signing of the fiscal compact at the last European Council, the European Union took an important step forward in resolving the euro zone’s trust and debt crisis. “All the EU member states should responsibly implement the necessary measures – the principles of a balanced budget and minimal government debt – in order to get out of the crisis,” Paet emphasised.

In the course of the meeting Paet and Lidington also addressed bilateral relations between Estonia and Great Britain. The foreign minister thanked Great Britain for supporting the indefinite extension of the air policing mission over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. “In the future we would like to see British planes ensuring the security of our airspace,” he noted. Paet also invited Great Britain to participate in the work of the NATO Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn.

The ministers also spoke about security matters. In light of the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago, it is essential to confirm the entire alliance’s commitment to guaranteeing collective security. “Additional important topics for Estonia at the summit are strengthening cyber security in NATO and continuing with the open-door policy,” he added.

In talking about Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Paet noted that Estonia continues to have good co-operation with Great Britain on the Helmand Province Provincial Reconstruction Team. “Estonia has its own health care expert in Helmand, who works to build up the province’s health care sector,” he said. Afghanistan is also one of Estonia’s priority partners for development co-operation. The Estonian minister also said that Estonia would continue contributing three police officers to the NATO Training Mission and five civil experts to the EUPOL mission.

When talking about international developments, Paet and Lidington both expressed concern over the ongoing tense situation in Syria. “The Syrian authorities must immediately end the violence directed at civilians and stop violating human rights. They also must allow impartial humanitarian aid organisations to gain access to those in need,” said Paet. “We also support the Arab League’s efforts to end the violence and call on all the members of the UN Security Council, especially Russia and China, to co-operate to help stop the violence,” he added. 
 

5 July

At his meeting in Batumi with Georgian Head of State Mikhail Saakashvili, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves encouraged Georgia to continue with the political and economic reforms that they began in 2003 during the “Rose Revolution”. According to the Estonian head of state, Georgia could set an example of consistency and commitment by cutting down corruption in law enforcement organisations, contributing to NATO’s operations in Afghanistan, carrying out various economic restructuring, and transforming Batumi into a modern coastal city.

“All of this is a part of Georgia’s future and now is the time to begin building this,” said President Ilves, while confirming Estonia’s continued support for Georgia’s territorial integrity. “A successful, future-orientated country must contribute equally towards both democracy and the economic welfare of its own country and people, as these two spheres are closely intertwined for European interpretation,” said the Estonian Head of State. He described linking Georgia’s economy with the European Union and western economic space in general, and he highlighted dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties, their mutually respectful attitude, and a strong civil society as important.

“All of this focuses on Georgia’s political future,” President Ilves said. “Estonia set its foreign and security political goals twenty years ago and has been committed and successful in becoming a part of the European and trans-Atlantic community. This is the experience that we are still willing to share with Georgia, our friend,” President Ilves assured. “But Georgia and the Georgians will choose their path and goals themselves; this is a task that only they can fulfil.”

European integration will mean common values and has nothing to do with geography, emphasised the Estonian head of state. “Europe and the spirit of Europe suggests certain principles – democracy, freedom of speech, a state based on the rule of law, separation of powers, human rights, equality of people, social justice and an open economy, as well as freedom of speech,” said President Ilves. Countries that share these principles can rely upon the support and trust of other democratic countries, the Estonian head of state asserted.
 

16 March

Today President Toomas Hendrik Ilves chaired the fourth meeting of the European e-health work group that convened in Barcelona; the meeting focused on the policy recommendations chapter of the drafted report. "Innovation is not merely technology but rather a way of thinking and action," said President Ilves. "In the European Union, this stands for, above all, bringing down organisational and legal barriers."

President Ilves confirmed that the technology needed to develop e-health is available, but until today, we have lacked the skills needed for putting the technology into practice in the sphere of health care, where the focus should be on the citizen, his medical records, his opportunity to manage the use of these records for treatment, anticipation and research works, and also his responsibility.

"The final report of our work group must tell the European Union that there is no need to contribute only to technology, as it is already there; we need to invest into organisational changes, telemedicine, home monitoring – that have all become the bottlenecks for today's technology," said the Estonian head of state. "We have an opportunity to make e-health, figuratively speaking, into a technology that would bring down outdated, paralysed ways of thinking. We must not be bound by political correctness or the wish to make someone like us."

The work group acknowledged that in Europe in general, the organisation of health care is approximately ten years behind the development of information technology. President Ilves considered the creation of common e-health services to be an important step, as it would ensure standardised handling of medical records in different countries, as would the creation of a solution for anonymous use of data, facilitating a safe comparison of data collected from different e-medical records within the European Union. The next step would allow us to predict links with the trans-European X-road and mutually acceptable ID cards.

According to the plans, the report will be presented at the meeting of the European Union health care ministers in Copenhagen in May of this year.

This spring, President Ilves accepted the proposal of President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso; Vice President Neelie Kroes; and EU Commissioner John Dalli, to chair a high-level advisory work group, which is tasked with shaping the future of e-health in the European Union.

By the end of its 15 months of work the work group, consisting of health care experts, representatives of patients, medical, pharmaceutical and ICT industries, legal experts, and politicians, is expected to send their proposals on using the e-health solutions to the European Commission to achieve a safer, patient-focused and more efficient organisation of health care, which also extends to the spheres of diagnostics, prevention and treatment. Family doctor Madis Tiik, who is a promoter of e-health, is representing Estonia in the work group as an expert.

14 February (BNS)

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, who took part in an unofficial dinner together with the Dutch and Danish prime ministers given by German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, said that the wish in Europe is for agreements and treaties signed during the crisis to be transferred into the European Union (EU) as soon as possible so that the trade bloc would not split into different groups. "The most important thing is that all who were present want to see the EU as strong and moving forward together, not split up into different groups," Ansip said in a comment to BNS.

Ansip said that no doubt remained from Monday's meeting that countries did not want to see a multi-speed Europe. "We would like to see that all the agreements and treaties that have been signed between different countries at different times would be transferred into EU law as soon as possible and that the EU would continue as a strong legal and institutional framework."

Ansip said that it was his point of view that it was not possible to wait in a crisis and it was necessary to act, but simultaneously he was convinced that it is most useful for Europe if all 27 member countries move on together.

The prime minister added that at present it is necessary to deal more with the future. "There is no sense in speaking seriously about a common market if the market of services is not open. At present only 25 services can be provided across borders. We also cannot speak about a functioning common market when no good roads of connection have been built. This pertains both to energy networks, roads and railway," he added. Ansip found that more attention should be paid to physical integration and more money should be found from the budget of the EU for financing cross-border infrastructure. "That point of view has found understanding," he said.

Speaking about Greece, the prime minister said that there was will to help Greece but the precondition was that they would want help themselves. Ansip underlined that everyone would like to see Greece in the euro zone and hoped that Greece was prepared to make an effort in the name of getting the second support program to go ahead.

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and head of the Danish government Helle Thorning-Schmidt took part in an unofficial dinner given by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Meseberg Castle near Berlin Monday evening.

2 January

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that for the next half a year during Denmark’s European Union presidency, Estonia’s main concern is resolving issues in the euro area. “Estonia awaits the conclusion of an intergovernmental agreement aimed towards strengthening the euro area by March at the latest,” said Paet. “As the EU presidency country, Denmark has assumed the role of the link between euro zone and non-euro zone countries in order to strengthen the financial situation of the European Union,” he noted.

Paet stated that in negotiations for the European Union’s next financial perspective Estonia supports greater conditionality. “Estonia feels it is important to move forward with the Rail Baltic project, allocate sufficient funds for the development of rural life, and making agricultural supports more equal,” said Paet. “Estonia does not, however, support the ceiling of 2.5% for the Cohesion Policy budget,” he added. “I mentioned these concerns during a recent discussion with the Danish minister of European affairs, and my Danish colleague promised to take them seriously.”

Paet said that Estonia supports giving European Union candidate country status to Serbia and starting accession negotiations with Montenegro during Denmark’s presidency. He added that it is important for the accession process with Turkey to continue and that hopefully negotiations with Macedonia would be opened in the near future. “We also support opening all chapters of negotiations with Iceland,” said Paet. “European Union Eastern Partnership is also a priority for Estonia,” he added.

According to Paet, another topic that is important to Estonia during Denmark’s presidency is the development of the European internal market, including the digital internal market.
 

21 February

While delivering the annual foreign policy address to the Riigikogu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the Foreign Ministry is developing Estonia’s network of foreign representations while taking into account rapid globalisation, new responsibilities in foreign policy, and the growing interest of Estonian people and companies in far-off regions. “We are analysing opportunities for the foreign service to better achieve its goals in a changing world. Estonia’s security and well-being are most closely tied to the EU, NATO, and our neighbourhood,” Paet stated.

In his speech, Paet addressed the plans and activities of the Foreign Ministry in developing its network of foreign representations. “In the year 2011 we opened an embassy in Kazakhstan and a consulate general in Sydney, and soon we will open our embassy in India. We are considering the possibility of establishing a representation in Brazil and in the future we may consider opening representations in Asia and in the Balkan countries. In addition to this, we have continued expanding our network of honorary consuls and including them in providing support for our companies,” he added. Currently Estonia has 46 foreign representations and 144 honorary consuls in 66 countries.

While talking about the role of foreign representations in supporting Estonian businesses, Foreign Minister Paet emphasised plans to continue protecting the interests of companies and investors abroad. “The goal of the Foreign Ministry is to advise Estonian companies more on entering foreign markets. In order to do so we are developing the network of foreign representations and honorary consuls and engaging in good co-operation with other business development organisations in Estonia,” he added.

4 November

At his meeting in New York with Convener of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court Bill Pace, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia feels an effective International Criminal Court (ICC) is an important supporter of human rights.  “Estonia feels it is essential to strengthen the fight again impunity and in favour of international justice by supporting the International Criminal Court,” Paet noted.

Paet stated that the international Criminal Court supports preventive diplomacy and helps to prevent international crimes from being committed. “We feel it is important that there are appreciative and supportive words in Security Council resolutions regarding the International Criminal Court. The creation and widespread use of impartial investigative commissions is also essential,” he added.

Paet stated that in order for the ICC to function well, high-level political and diplomatic support as well as close co-operation among states is essential. “Although the court has grown stronger, in order to keep functioning it requires continuing high-level political support – for example in fulfilling arrest warrants and achieving the global jurisdiction of the court,” said the foreign minister. “With this goal in mind we also participate in the work of the ICC’s ministerial network.”

The Estonian foreign minister noted that one of the priorities of the president of the ICC Assembly of States Parties Tiina Intelmann is the court’s relationship with the African Union. “We hope that little by little the African Union’s attitude towards the ICC will change,” Paet added.

Foreign Minister Paet said it is positive that on 17 October the first-ever open debate on peace and justice took place in the UN Security Council. The debate focused on the relationship between the International Criminal Court and the Security Council. “Estonia values new proposals for improving communication between the ICC and the Security Council,” the foreign minister said.

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) comprises 2 500 organisations that represent civil society from 150 countries. Their goal is to strengthen international co-operation with the ICC.

Estonia is a candidate to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council on 12 November.

18 February

This year Estonia would like to see clear progress made in relations between the European Union and its Eastern Partners Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, as well as the greater political and economic integration of these countries with the European Union, Foreign Minister Paet said today at the meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Brussels.

“Estonia supports the creation of a common economic area between the European Union and its Eastern Partners,” Paet stated. “We emphasise the need to finish up negotiations for association agreements, which include a free trade section, with Moldova, Georgia and Armenia this year,” he added.

Paet stated that Estonia would also like for the European Union’s association agreement with Ukraine to be signed at the end of November in Vilnius during the third summit of the European Union and Eastern Partners.

“Estonia feels it is essential to move towards visa freedom with all our Eastern Partners. At the same time, it is important that the development of the EU’s relations with the aforementioned countries is directly linked to the developments taking place in each country,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

The foreign minister also said that the visibility and awareness of Eastern Partnership and its programmes in partner countries should be improved. “We support working out a strategy to increase the visibility of Eastern Partnership,” he noted.

9 November

At the Baltic Council held today in Vilnius, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia supports the accession of Latvia and Lithuania to the euro zone as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Paet stated that it is in the common interests of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to stand up for the further development of the European Union internal market. “For example, if in addition to e-Estonia there is a well-functioning e-Latvia and e-Lithuania – even an e-Nordic region – it is more likely that we will be able to convince the entire European Union to create a digital internal market, support internet freedom, and increase cyber security,” said the foreign minister.

The development of a regional energy infrastructure and transportation connections also requires our co-operation. “It is vitally important to develop connections with Western Europe. A project that would help us achieve that is Rail Baltic,” Paet asserted.

The foreign minister added that the goal is to complete the construction of the railway connection Rail Baltic. “The window of opportunity to utilise European Union funds in order to fulfil this goal has never been as open as it is right now. We must not let this opportunity slip away,” he emphasised.

A central theme in the co-operation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is energy and the diversification of suppliers and connections. Connections allow for the development of energy trade and the energy market in the entire region. “Therefore I am pleased that the construction of Estlink 2 began on 15 October. There are also plans to build the NordBalt undersea cable between Lithuania and Sweden and the Lit-Pol-Link between Lithuania and Poland,” said Paet.

The foreign minister said that our entire region must be as consistent in the security sector as we have been economically and financially. “In addition to the fact that Estonia spends 2% of its GDP on its defence budget, we achieved an indefinite deadline for the policing of Lithuania, Latvian and Estonian airspace and have together decided to contribute more to that mission. Our cyber capabilities are also growing,” he stated. However, Paet emphasised that in order to avoid the isolation of our region we still need a strong NATO presence. “Just as we support the accession of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to the euro, we would be happy to see Finland and Sweden have even closer co-operation with NATO,” he stated.

A meeting of the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania also took place today, during which they discussed regional co-operation and European Union topics, including the EU’s new financial framework for 2014-2020 and Eastern Partnership, as well as matters related to Lithuania’s upcoming EU presidency.

12 September

At his meeting in Tbilisi today with Georgian Foreign Minister Gregory Vashadze, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for Georgia’s efforts to join NATO and strengthen ties with the European Union. “We support holding a discussion on the further enlargement of NATO at the next NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in December; we also support having a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Council within the framework of the meeting,” said Paet.  

According to the Estonian foreign minister, negotiations with Georgia are going well within the framework of European Union Eastern Partnership. “Hopefully negotiations for an Association Agreement will wrap up next year and the action plan for a visa waiver can be approved this year,” said Paet. “Negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Georgia have started successfully. Concluding the agreement will ensure better opportunities for Georgian businesses on the European Union market and vice versa.”

During their meeting, foreign ministers Paet and Vashadze also signed an implementation agreement for the agreement on the readmission of persons illegally residing in the country, which is a part of immigration-related co-operation. “We hope that the recognition of the special travel document (Status Neutral Travel Document – SNTD) held by residents of Georgia’s occupied areas will help to improve their freedom of movement,” Paet said. He stated that in the near future Estonia would also like to conclude an international road transport agreement, social security agreement, and agreement on co-operation in tourism with Georgia.

At their meeting Paet expressed satisfaction over the fact that representatives of Georgia have actively taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the Centre of Eastern Partnership in Tallinn and confirmed that Estonia will continue to support the implementation of reforms and strengthening of civil society in Georgia through development co-operation. “We have compiled a Georgia strategy for the years 2012-2015 to better plan co-operation with Georgia, establish priorities by sector, and set long-term goals,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

Foreign Minister Paet also met in Qvareli with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Estonia supports Georgia’s efforts to join the European Union and NATO and will continue sharing its experiences with Georgia to help it meet this goal. “Georgia is an important partner to both the European Union and NATO,” Paet noted.

During their meeting, Paet and Saakashvili also talked about the Georgian parliamentary elections taking place on 1 October. “We value the efforts of the Georgian government as well as its co-operation with international organisations in the name of organising free and fair elections,” Paet noted. “The success of the elections depends on the responsible behaviour of all political powers.” Paet added that establishing the choice resulting from the free will of the people is key. “Fair, free and transparent elections unite society and reduce opportunities for  irresponsible challenging of results,” said Paet.

1 February

Estonia feels it is essential to develop economic and trade relations between the European Union and the USA more quickly than before, Foreign Minister Paet said at the meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels. “We hope that bilateral trade negotiations will begin soon,” said Paet.

According to Paet, Estonia also considers the European Union and USA’s co-operation in Eastern Partnership countries and in re-starting peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine to be important. “In order for the Middle East peace process to progress, it is necessary for it to be among the priorities for EU-USA co-operation,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

“It is important to continue our joint support for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in carrying out reforms and for Belarus by supporting civil society,” he added.

Paet emphasised that in the cyber security realm the USA is the European Union’s most important strategic partner and we hope that joint cyber exercises will continue to take place in the future.

“The United States is also a strategic partner of the European Union in protecting human rights and promoting rule of law,” he stated.

“In addition, the USA and EU should also continue their co-operation in the Western Balkans and in building up Afghanistan,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

17 October

Estonia would like to share its reform and transition experiences from joining the European Union with the European Union's development co-operation partners, Foreign Minister Paet said at a meeting of the EU development ministers in Luxembourg.

Foreign Minister Paet stated that as part of the reform of the EU's development co-operation policy the best practices of the EU, which have been acquired through unique European Union enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy experiences, will be brought together. “This includes an emphasis on the reform and transition experiences of countries that joined the European Union recently; Estonia has a lot to offer in this area,” he said.

Paet stated that Estonia has fresh and positive experiences that may be useful to the world. “There are reform-minded countries among our development co-operation partners that need this kind of experience, and the European Union should respond to those needs,” he said.

The ministers also discussed the UN Millennium Development Goals after 2015, the results of the UN Sustainable Development Conference Rio+20, and the European Union’s approach to boosting the endurance of countries suffering from food shortages. Urmas Paet said that Estonia feels it is important to increase their endurance and supports the creation of a more flexible funding system. Estonia has contributed to alleviating famine and food crises in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region.

17 November

At a meeting with representatives of the Estonian Travel and Tourism Association, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonian citizens can currently travel to over 100 countries without a visa. “The most recent additions to the list of visa-free travel destinations are Brazil and Kyrgyzstan, and as of 10 January Armenia will also be added to the list,” he stated.

Paet added that the Foreign Ministry’s goal is to facilitate citizens’ travel to popular destinations that have a visa requirement. “We are working on increasing the number of countries to which Estonian citizens can travel without needing a visa,” he said.

The foreign minister noted that year by year, the number of people travelling to Estonia is also growing. “For example, in the first ten months of 2010 our representations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Pskov, Kiev, Minsk, and Tbilisi received a total of 90 037 visa applications. In the first ten months of this year, they received 138 823 applications,” Paet stated.

The foreign minister said that Estonia has simplified its visa policies within the framework of the Schengen legal space. “Our foreign representations are issuing more and more multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. In 2009, we abolished the requirements for an invitation to be filed together with the visa application,” said the foreign minister. As of 2007 a visa application can be filled out in advance over the internet, which speeds up the processing of the application.

The visa application process is also simplified by the opportunity to send an application using an outside courier service – this option is available in Russia and Ukraine, where an agreement is in place with the company Pony Express. “Considering the size of the countries, it is significantly easier for people in more remote regions to apply for a visa in this way,” Paet asserted.

Paet noted that issues related to the safety of travellers are also of utmost importance to the Foreign Ministry. “We are pleased that most travel agencies explain to their clients how important it is to have travel insurance and also offer opportunities to purchase insurance. We could make it a goal to not send a single person on a trip without travel insurance,” emphasised the foreign minister.

2 December

Students in the Estonian schools that have friendship schools in Afghanistan gave a joint letter to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet today in which they focused on the educational situation in Afghanistan.

Over the past ten years the number of children attending school in Afghanistan has grown rapidly. However, there are still regions of the country where half of the children are not in school. In their letter, the students made a list of the main factors that prevent children in Afghanistan from getting an education and offered solutions so that by the year 2020 basic education would be available to every child in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonian students share the same position as the Foreign Ministry, which is that it is essential to develop the education sector in Afghanistan. “When visiting Afghanistan I have also visited the schools there, and nowhere else have I seen the enthusiasm to learn that is possessed by Afghan children. The ideas and suggestions outlined by the children in their letter confirm that focusing on the promotion of education in Afghanistan is of vital importance to the development of the country,” he noted.

At the meeting, Foreign Minister Paet expressed thanks to the participants in the Estonia-Afghanistan friendship school project. “Many thanks to the students and teachers and of course the Jaan Tõnisson Institute, Mondo, and especially Maari Rossi, who has put forth a great deal of effort to make sure this project succeeds,” said Paet.

The manifest was written by schoolchildren from schools in Estonia, Sweden, Great Britain, and Slovakia who have friendship schools in Afghanistan, and a similar event was being held in all four countries at once. The organisers were the Jaan Tõnisson Institute (Estonia), Afghan Connection (UK), Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (Sweden), and People in Peril (Slovakia).

The manifest can be read here: http://www.vm.ee/sites/default/file/6pilaste_manifest_afga_haridus.pdf

Through the co-operation of four European non-profit organisations, 60 European schools have found friendship schools in Afghanistan. There are 11 Estonian schools participating, which all have friendship schools in Northern Afghanistan. Schools exchange packages with their friendship schools and organise video chats using Skype, and Estonian schools have also provided financial support for Afghan schools. Many Estonian teachers and journalists have also visited Afghanistan.
 

5 March

At the Eastern Partnership meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Prague, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Eastern Partnership needs greater attention and that Estonia supports the Eastern Partners becoming as closely integrated and co-operating with the European Union as much as possible. “Meeting the goals that have been set requires an effort from the Eastern Partners as well as openness and support from the European Union. It is essential that the entire European Union be involved in advancing Eastern Partnership,” said Paet.

During the meeting, the foreign minister noted that many Eastern Partners deserve recognition for carrying out reforms and moving closer to the European Union. “We are satisfied that negotiations for free trade agreements have been started with Moldova and Georgia and will soon begin with Armenia, and we hope that these negotiations progress quickly,” he said. “We also expect for a visa dialogue to begin with Georgia and for the visa dialogues with Moldova and Ukraine to progress, and we expect more rapid developments in visa facilitation talks with other Eastern Partners,” Paet added.

The foreign minister stated that Eastern Partnership should be shaped into a concrete and comprehensive policy that is an effective and long-term instrument for helping the partner countries grow closer to the European Union. “Eastern Partnership should also be flexible enough to allow an individual approach to the partner countries,” he said. “Among the Eastern Partners there are some countries that set an example for the others in terms of reforms, and we should move forward with them more quickly,” Paet asserted.

At the meeting Paet also emphasised that Estonia would like to continue actively supporting the Eastern Partners’ EU endeavours. “The Eastern Partnership Centre in Tallinn focuses on increasing the administrative capacity of the Eastern Partners. This year we would like to train officials from Moldova, Georgia and Armenia  in making preparations for concluding a free trade agreement,” he said.

The meeting today involved the foreign ministers of the European Union presidency country Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Eastern Partnership countries. High Representative of the European Union Catherine Ashton will also participate, as will Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle. Matters related to EU Eastern Partnership will be discussed at the meeting.

The Eastern Partnership countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus.
 

11 May

At his meeting in Tallinn today with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia continues to be a supporter of Turkey’s aspirations to join the European Union. “Therefore it is essential that the positive agenda to support negotiations with Turkey does not become a replacement for accession negotiations. Opportunities must be found to move forward with accession negotiations and open new negotiation chapters,” he stated. “It is positive that political dialogue between the European Union and Turkey on essential foreign and security topics has recently become more profound, considering Turkey’s important role in the Middle East, North Africa, and in general,” he added.

Paet emphasised that Estonia also supports a visa dialogue with Turkey with the goal of establishing a visa waiver between the European Union and Turkey and concluding a readmission agreement.

Estonia greatly appreciates Turkey’s contribution to airspace security in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and its co-operation in NATO. Estonia welcomes Turkey to join the NATO Cyber Defence Centre in Tallinn as a full member. Paet stated that Turkey also plays an important role in resolving the conflict in Syria and helping refugees. “It is essential that the parties to the Syria conflict begin looking for solutions through negotiations and that they abstain from further violence,” he said.

Foreign ministers Paet and Davutoglu also participated in the opening of the Estonia-Turkey Intercultural Trade and Education Association (EESTÜRK) in Tallinn. Foreign Minister Paet said that Estonia is interested in increasing economic co-operation with Turkey and that hopefully it will become possible to fly directly from Tallinn to Istanbul within the year. “The opportunity to fly direct would provide an impetus for business and trade relations as well as the promotion of tourism,” he stated.

Paet said that in 2011 Turkey was Estonia’s 22nd trade partner. Estonia’s direct investments in Turkey in 2011 totalled 2 million euros and Turkish direct investments in Estonia totalled 2.8 million euros. “These numbers show that there is still plenty of room to grow in economic relations,” Paet said.

On the topic of cultural relations between the two countries, Paet said that the builders of cross-cultural bridges are already doing excellent work. “Cultural events frequently take place in both Estonia and in Turkey. Just last week a joint Nordic walking event took place in Istanbul and in June the Estonia Opera will give a performance at the prestigious Aspendos opera and ballet festival,” he said. The foreign minister added that Estonia would like to intensify contacts with Turkey in the education and research sectors.

7 March

When meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson at UN Headquarters in New York today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that as a strong supporter of rule of law, Estonia feels it is very important for a state to work for the good of its people and to promote and protect their opportunities. “Co-operating with the International Criminal Court to avoid impunity is essential – it is a requirement for the court to have the authority to guarantee order and justice,” Paet noted. “Promises to develop rule of law must be accompanied by actual actions. Estonia’s promises to join the amendments to the Rome Statue written by the International Criminal Court and ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which addresses children in armed conflicts, will very soon be fulfilled,” he added.

The foreign minister stated that through both bilateral and multilateral co-operation, Estonia passes along its experiences and lessons in implementing good governance, transparent governance, and e-governance. “We are prepared to advise the UN on increasing e-governance abilities as well,” Paet stated. “We also support reflecting on the nature of democracy in the UN.”

According to Paet, Estonia strongly supports the principle of responsibility to protect (R2P). “The International Criminal Court has an important role in implementing this principle, which includes halting and preventing genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. We would like for it to primarily be a pre-emptive and preventative  measure,” said Paet. “As a member, Estonia is dedicated in the UN Human Rights Council to emphasising the responsibility to protect the principle, as the likelihood of crimes against humanity occurring is greater when human rights violations are already taking place,” he added.

At their meeting, Paet and Eliasson also talked about the situation in Syria, where a million people have already been registered as refugees. “It is tragic that the UN Security Council has been unable to reach a consensus on putting pressure on the Syrian regime, as the crisis is affecting the entire region,” stated Foreign Minister Paet. “Estonia has supported Switzerland’s initiative to call on the UN Security Council to authorise the International Criminal Court to investigate Syria’s crimes,” he noted.

In talking about developments in Mali, Paet commended the UN for its well-timed attentiveness to Mali and the wider Sahel region. “We will soon make a donation to the UN Trust Fund for Mine Clearance in Mali. In December of last year Estonia supported UNICEF’s education project in Mali,” he added.

At their meeting, Paet confirmed Estonia’s support for reforming the UN development system. “Under the leadership of the Estonian and Tunisian UN ambassadors, the resolution to reform the UN development system was approved in 2010. Our goal is to reduce the disunity of the UN development system in the future as well,” Paet noted.