Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna visited Ho Chi Minh City on 23 and 24 April as part of his trip to Vietnam, holding meetings with local authorities and Estonia’s honorary consuls in Asia.
“Estonia has more than 20 honorary consuls in Asian countries who, alongside their main occupations, work to promote relations between Estonia and their home countries, raise awareness of Estonia and our businesses, and assist Estonian citizens who encounter difficulties while travelling,” the foreign minister said at a gathering of honorary consuls from Asian countries.
“As the visit to Vietnam is accompanied by a sizeable Estonian business delegation, our entrepreneurs have the opportunity to establish contacts with honorary consuls from different countries and work together to identify business opportunities in those markets,” Tsahkna said.
The foreign minister provided the honorary consuls with an overview of Estonia’s foreign and security policy priorities.
“Estonia is investing heavily in strengthening its defence capabilities, opening new embassies and continuously expanding global partnerships to ensure its security and resilience. Honorary consuls are part of our diplomatic network, and their contribution and dedication to fostering ties between Estonia and their home countries also help to strengthen Estonia’s security,” Tsahkna said.
Estonia has a total of 23 honorary consuls in Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan, the Philippines and Nepal. Worldwide, Estonia has around 200 honorary consuls in nearly 100 countries.
In recognition of their long-standing service, the foreign minister presented letters of appreciation to the honorary consuls in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition to the meeting with the foreign minister, the gathering of Estonia’s honorary consuls in Asia included a roundtable with Estonian entrepreneurs, as well as briefings on consular and education-related matters.
“Regional gatherings of honorary consuls provide an opportunity to maintain and strengthen their ties with Estonia and to give them an overview of Estonia’s key positions and objectives. This is important to enable honorary consuls to represent Estonia more effectively in their work,” Tsahkna said.
Today, the foreign minister also met Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
On 22–23 April, the foreign minister met in Hanoi with Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.
An Estonian business delegation of 12 companies is also in Vietnam.
Additisional information
[email protected]