Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna awarded Crosses of Merit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this year to diplomats and partners from Estonia and abroad for their notable contributions to Estonia’s foreign service, foreign policy and thus Estonia’s statehood.
In his speech on the anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tsahkna said Estonia’s foreign service continued to work every day for freedom because freedom cannot be taken for granted, particularly in recent times. “We must fight for freedom, and not just in this neighbourhood, but all around the world,” he said. “This is why our foreign service is shouldering a considerably greater burden that the size of our nation would perhaps suggest. Because standing up for freedom is an existential issue for us and most importantly – as advocates, we are more credible than ever before.”
“This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is awarding Crosses of Merit to 21 people whose extraordinary services and remarkable efforts have helped Estonia to be seen, heard and lead the way in several initiatives,” Foreign Minister Tsahkna said.
The Order of Merit, First Class is awarded for extraordinary services in raising Estonia’s profile in the world, and contributing to Estonia’s independence or significant international cooperation is awarded to Kaja Kallas, former Estonian Prime Minister and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary General from 2014 to 2024; Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister; and Tobias Lennart Billström, Sweden’s Foreign Minister from 2022 to 2024.
“Kaja Kallas’ actions on the foreign policy arena opened many important doors for Estonia and they remain open,” Tsahkna said. “Her personal contribution to making sure that Estonia’s voice is heard and listened to across the world is invaluable.”
Recognising Jens Stoltenberg, Tsahkna said he has made a remarkable contribution to not only Estonian and European security but also international security. “The world is facing the greatest security crisis since the Second World War,” the foreign minister said. “We are jointly committed to supporting Ukraine both practically and politically, and to reinforcing the security of Estonia and the entire Alliance.”
“My good colleague and friend Gabrielius Landsbergis has made an invaluable contribution to the security of our region and I recognise him for his tireless commitment to supporting Ukraine,” Tsahkna said.
Recognising Tobias Billström, Tsahkna said that Billström has contributed significantly to closer Nordic and Baltic cooperation. “Relations between Estonia and Sweden have always been close and good but on the initiative of Tobias Billström our relations have been elevated to a new level. He helped bring Sweden into NATO and it was during Tobias’ term in office that Nordic-Baltic or NB8 cooperation gained a new momentum and energy.”
The Order of Merit, Second Class is awarded for a remarkable contribution to raising Estonia’s profile internationally or to significant international cooperation to the following people.
Diplomats and actors of Estonia’s foreign policy
Kyllike Sillaste-Elling, Estonian Ambassador and Representative in the European Union, former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for her contribution to shaping and implementing Estonia’s Ukraine policy.
Partners of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advocates of Estonia’s foreign policy interests
Kusti Salm, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, for his contribution to Estonia’s defence and security.
Tiit Riisalo, former Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, for his contribution to Estonia’s economy and business diplomacy.
Urmas Klaas, Mayor of Tartu, for encouraging international relations and thereby raising Estonia’s profile.
Global advocates of Estonia’s interests
Tommy Koh, Ambassador of Singapore, Professor, for advocating for international law and the interests of small states.
The Order of Merit, Third Class is awarded for a substantial contribution to Estonia’s interests internationally or to significant international cooperation to the following people.
Diplomats and actors of Estonia’s foreign policy
Klen Jäärats, former Director of the European Union Secretariat of the Government Office, for standing up for Estonia’s interests in the European Union.
Viljar Lubi, Ambassador, for successfully representing Estonia in the United Kingdom and for his remarkable contribution to business diplomacy.
Kristīne Biezā, Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Riga, for her long-term work for Estonia’s foreign service.
Daniel Erik Schaer, Ambassador at Large for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for his long-term and successful diplomacy in Africa.
Partners of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advocates of Estonia’s foreign policy interests
Janek Mägi, Head of the Border Guard and Migration Policy Department at the Ministry of the Interior, for standing up for Estonia’s positions in the European Union.
Hannes Astok, Chairman of the Board of the e-State Academy, for perpetuating Estonia’s reputation as a digital state internationally.
Tiit Pruuli, entrepreneur, for supporting Ukraine and raising Estonia’s international profile.
Global advocates of Estonia’s interests
Claudia Major, Head of the Research Division for International Security at the SWP think tank, for supporting Ukraine and raising the German public’s awareness of the consequences of Russia’s aggression.
Michael Antonio Reiss, Honorary Consul in Zürich, for his contribution to economic diplomacy.
Lars-Eric Boreström, Honorary Consul in Gothenburg from 2006 to 2024, for his contribution to economic diplomacy.
Global promoters of Estonian culture
Jaanika Peerna, Estonia’s cultural attaché in New York, for successfully promoting Estonian culture in New York.
Xavier Bouvet, writer, for promoting Estonia and Estonia’s history in the world.
The Crosses of Merit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were presented on 26 November at the celebration of the 106th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Photos of the presentation of the Crosses of Merit are available here.
The speech of the foreign minister at the ceremony is available here (in Estonian).
Additional information
Communication Department
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