Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said today, 21 August, at the opening of the redesigned Iceland Square during the state visit of the President of Iceland, that Iceland’s courageous decision in 1991 to become the first country to recognise the restoration of Estonia’s independence remains an example of how a small state, by taking a bold decision at the right moment, can lead by example and influence the course of history.
“Iceland was the first country in the world to restore diplomatic relations with the Republic of Estonia 35 years ago, following the restoration of our independence. In honour of Iceland’s courage and resolve, the square in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bears its name, and from today, the square’s new Icelandic-inspired design will serve as an even stronger reminder of Iceland’s role in the story of the restoration of Estonia’s independence,” Tsahkna said.
According to the Foreign Minister, Iceland’s courageous actions in 1991 remain an example to this day.
“By becoming the first country to recognise the restoration of Estonia’s independence, Iceland showed that small states do not have to wait for larger countries to act when historic decisions need to be made. By acting boldly, they can lead the way,” the Foreign Minister said. “When we know what is right, we say so.”
“Estonia’s foreign policy today is guided to a great extent by the same principle. We have taken the lead on numerous initiatives, made decisions quickly and effectively as a small state, and in doing so encouraged others to follow our lead,” Tsahkna said. “Above all, in supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia, Estonia has pushed for Europe to act faster and more boldly so that Russia’s aggression, which affects the security of the whole of Europe, can be brought to a just and lasting end.”
During the opening ceremony, President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir placed a stone bearing the date of the opening in Iceland Square. Tallinn Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik also delivered remarks at the ceremony.
The new design of Iceland Square is the result of a workshop organised jointly by the Tallinn Urban Planning Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Estonian and Icelandic architects, landscape architects and students developed proposals for a temporary spatial design with the aim of creating a high-quality, coherent solution for Iceland Square that would forge a stronger connection between the two countries and reinforce the square’s significance as an important symbol in Tallinn’s public space.
The winning proposal, “Icelandic Garden”, was created by Madis Arp Keerd, Katariina Kangro, Artur Raik, Riina Lii Parve and Málfríður Lárusdóttir. The design seeks to soften the monumental character of the site and create a more welcoming space in this busy location. Raised planters have been installed in the square, with planting inspired by landscapes characteristic of Iceland, featuring birch trees, lush ground vegetation and gravelly terrain. Recycled profiled metal sheeting has been used around the edges of the raised flower beds, providing a visual reference to Icelandic building traditions and the façades commonly found there.
The project also draws inspiration from the historic stone structures known as varða, traditionally used to mark routes or convey messages. Five varða will be built in the square to guide visitors through the space and through the story of relations between Estonia and Iceland. In keeping with the tradition of building varða from local materials, ours will be constructed from the square’s paving stones.
Additional information:
Communication Department
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