On 27 November, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna presented a proposal to the government to open embassies in Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Kenya.
“It is important for Estonia to open new embassies in order to significantly increase our visibility, strengthen security and create new opportunities for Estonian businesses. As a result of a carefully considered selection, Estonia’s current 45 foreign missions will be joined next year by embassies in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Kenya, and Moldova,” Tsahkna said.
“Estonia must strengthen its reach in the world, as this is in the interests of our security and economic development,” Tsahkna noted, adding that the task of the foreign service is to safeguard our security through diplomacy. “If diplomacy fails, weapons begin to speak – and that is something we do not wish to see.”
The Foreign Minister added that alongside security, Estonia’s economic interests must be represented in rapidly developing regions that have not been covered by embassies so far. “Estonian exports have been concentrated on the European Union market, which accounts for 70% of our goods and services exports. To protect our interests and, more broadly, to strengthen our positions, ensure security and support the diversification of export markets, there is no better means than diplomatic presence.”
“Moldova is already moving along the European Union path, but we can do even more to support them,” Tsahkna said. He added that in the South Caucasus, the reconciliation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan is opening up new opportunities not only for cooperation between the countries of the region, but also for third countries. “It is also important to support Armenia in staying on the democratic path and moving closer to Europe.”
Tsahkna stressed that Estonia currently has no representation at all in South America or Sub-Saharan Africa. “Taking into account the size of both regions, their growing influence in global affairs and the potential for promoting economic relations, it is clear that the present gap needs to be filled.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set the goal of opening the embassies in 2026.
The government supported the expansion of Estonia’s network of foreign missions.
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