Today, 24 January, a commemorative ceremony marking the 160th anniversary of Jaan
Poska’s birth took place at Siselinna Cemetery in Tallinn, where Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna delivered a speech in honour of the former foreign minister and Mayor of Tallinn, who played a decisive role in Estonia’s independence.
In his speech, Tsahkna stressed that for Poska, the architect of the Treaty of Tartu, the treaty was not an end in itself, but a means of ensuring the survival of the Estonian state. International recognition also meant responsibility – the responsibility to stand up for one’s own freedom and security.
These principles remain highly relevant in today’s world, where the fundamental principles of international law are being violated by force and the fragility of peace is once again painfully evident. “Jaan Poska’s thinking reminds us that peace without courage is an illusion, and freedom without responsibility does not endure. These lessons have not faded with time – on the contrary, their meaning is even sharper in today’s world,” Tsahkna said.
Foreign Minister Tsahkna, Mayor Peeter Raudsepp, Chairman of the City Council Mihhail Kõlvart, Head of City Office Priit Lello and representatives of the Jaan Poska Foundation also laid wreaths at the grave. Junior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also come to commemorate diplomat Jaan Poska.
In 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a tradition of awarding the Jaan Poska Medal to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to defending the principles of the Treaty of Tartu around the world. The Jaan Poska Medal has been awarded to freedom fighters Enn Tarto and Mart Niklus, Tunne Kelam, and the Poska Museum (the Jaan Poska Memorial Foundation), President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and posthumously to Laas Leivat. Last year, the Jaan Poska Medal was awarded to former Prime Minister Mart Laar, who has played a major role in promoting liberal thinking and implementing important economic reforms for Estonia. The Jaan Poska Medal will be presented for the sixth time at the formal reception marking the 106th anniversary of the Treaty of Tartu, to be held at the National Library of Estonia in Tallinn on 2 February.
The celebration of Jaan Poska’s birthday also marks the start of Diplomacy Week, held for the third time, which includes a range of events and projects. The aim of the week is to bring diplomacy closer to people, explain what diplomats do, engage young people, and raise awareness of diplomacy and Estonia’s foreign policy. The week will culminate on 2 February with the celebration of the 106th anniversary of the Treaty of Tartu. More information about Diplomacy Week can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://vm.ee/diplomaatianadal.
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