“This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is presenting its Cross of Merit to 25 people whose exceptional service and outstanding efforts have made sure that Estonia is seen and heard, and have helped Estonia take the lead in many initiatives,” Tsahkna said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cross of Merit First Class, awarded for exceptional service in raising Estonia’s profile around the world and contributing to Estonia’s independence or significant international cooperation, was presented to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Swedish Foreign Minister Eva Maria Louise Malmer Stenergard, in recognition of their notable contributions to strengthening cohesion and security in the Nordic-Baltic region, and to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in recognition of his notable contribution to advancing Armenia’s European integration and thereby reducing Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cross of Merit First Class was also awarded to Jonatan Vseviov, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassador and politician, in recognition of his notable contribution to European security and the shaping of Estonia’s foreign policy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cross of Merit Second Class, awarded for outstanding service in promoting Estonia’s interests around the world or advancing international cooperation of importance to Estonia, was presented to the following recipients.
Supporting Ukraine and countering Russia’s aggression
Sirje Karis, museologist – in recognition of her outstanding work in supporting Ukraine.
Annely Kolk, ambassador and former Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine – in recognition of her outstanding work during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Assisting Estonian citizens
Tiina Nirk, Estonian Ambassador to Azerbaijan and former Director General of the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in recognition of her outstanding contribution to resolving the consular crisis in the Middle East.
Strengthening the rules-based international order and security
Timo Pesonen, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space – in recognition of his outstanding support for Estonia’s defence initiatives.
Boris Ruge, German Ambassador to Ukraine and former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy – in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening the security of Estonia and Europe and upholding the rules-based international order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cross of Merit Third Class, awarded for effective service in raising Estonia’s profile around the world and contributing to Estonia’s independence or significant international cooperation, was presented this year to the following recipients.
Supporting Ukraine and countering Russia’s aggression
Airi Alakivi, Adviser at the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in recognition of her effective work in shaping Estonia’s Ukraine policy.
Rūta Bajarūnaitė, Senior Adviser at the Sanctions Department of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in recognition of her contribution to advancing coordinated sanctions policy within the expanded Nordic-Baltic NB8+ format and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.
Triin Parts, diplomat and former Adviser at the Estonian Embassy in Kyiv – in recognition of her dedicated work during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Vahur Soosaar, diplomat and former Adviser and Deputy Head of Mission at the Estonian Embassy in Kyiv – in recognition of his dedicated work during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Contributing to Estonia’s economy
Priit Kallakas, Director General of the Business Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in recognition of his dedicated work in developing and enhancing Estonia’s business diplomacy and creating an export portal for businesses.
Tarmo Kiivit, Partner at Helmes AS – in recognition of his contribution to creating an export portal for businesses.
Ander Tenno, Managing Director and Partner at Trinidad Wiseman OÜ – in recognition of his contribution to creating an export portal for businesses.
Supporting Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Elis Marii Viltsin, Events Coordinator at the Estonian Statehood House – in recognition of her contribution to organising events within the NB8 Nordic-Baltic cooperation format.
Raising Estonia’s profile and promoting cultural cooperation
Kateryna Botnar, also known as Katja Novak, translator, poet and cultural liaison – in recognition of her effective contribution to promoting cultural exchange between Estonia and Ukraine.
Kadri Linnas, Desk Officer at the Department for the Diaspora, Honorary Consuls and Cultural Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in recognition of her dedicated work with the Global Estonian community and in documenting and promoting the history of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kristiina Poska, Music Director of the French Youth Orchestra and former Chief Conductor of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra – in recognition of her contribution to promoting Estonia’s cultural image in Belgium and France.
Defending media freedom in Estonia and around the world
Holger Roonemaa, Head of the Investigative Unit at Delfi Meedia – in recognition of his effective work in exposing Russian influence operations through numerous journalistic investigations in Estonian and international media.
Timo Tarve, journalist at Kuku Radio – in recognition of his long-standing and effective contribution to in-depth coverage of foreign and security policy on Kuku Radio.
Making a distinguished contribution to the diplomatic service
Jaanus Karv, Director General of the Finance Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – in recognition of his effective work in planning and managing the Ministry’s budget.
Kersti Neeme, specialist at the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the European Union – in recognition of her long-standing and dedicated service at the Representation since 2008.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Crosses of Merit were presented on 9 November at the celebration of the Ministry’s 108th anniversary.
Opening speech by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna at the 108th anniversary of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
