Foreign relations of Estonia
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The Republic of Estonia gained its independence from the Russian Empire on 24 February 1918 and established diplomatic relations with many countries via membership of the League of Nations. The forcible incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet Union in 1940 was not generally recognised by the international community and the Estonian diplomatic service continued to operate in some countries. Following the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union, Russia was one of the first nations to re-recognize Estonia's independence (the first country to do so was Iceland on 22 August 1991). Estonia's immediate priority after regaining its independence was the withdrawal of Russian (formerly Soviet) forces from Estonian territory. In August 1994, this was completed. However, relations with Moscow have remained strained primarily because Russia decided not to ratify the border treaty it had signed with Estonia in 1999.
Trends following re-independence
Since regaining independence, Estonia has pursued a foreign policy of close cooperation with Western European nations.
The two most important policy objectives in this regard have been accession into NATO and the European Union, achieved in March and May 2004 respectively. Estonia's international realignment toward the West has been accompanied by a general deterioration in relations with Russia, most recently demonstrated by the controversy surrounding relocation of the Bronze Soldier WWII memorial in Tallinn.[1] Estonia has become an increasingly strong supporter of deepening European integration. The decision to participate in the preparation of a financial transaction tax in 2012 reflects this shift in Estonia's EU policy.[2]
An important element in Estonia's post-independence reorientation has been closer ties with the Nordic countries, especially Finland and Sweden. Indeed, Estonians consider themselves a Nordic people due to being Finnic people like the Finns rather than Balts,[3][4] based on their historical ties with Denmark and particularly Finland and Sweden. In December 1999 Estonian foreign minister (and since 2006, president of Estonia) Toomas Hendrik Ilves delivered a speech entitled "Estonia as a Nordic Country" to the Swedish Institute for International Affairs.[5] In 2003, the foreign ministry also hosted an exhibit called "Estonia: Nordic with a Twist".[6] And in 2005, Estonia joined the European Union's Nordic Battle Group. It has also shown continued interest in becoming a full member in the Nordic Council. Whereas in 1992 Russia accounted for 92% of Estonia's international trade,[7] today there is extensive economic interdependence between Estonia and its Nordic neighbors: three-quarters of foreign investment in Estonia originates in the Nordic countries (principally Finland and Sweden), to which Estonia sends 42% of its exports (as compared to 6.5% going to Russia, 8.8% to Latvia, and 4.7% to Lithuania). On the other hand, the Estonian political system, its flat rate of income tax, and its non-welfare-state model distinguish it from the other Nordic states, and indeed from many other European countries.[8] Estonia is a party to 181 international organizations, including the BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (member since 1 May 2004), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, NATO, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO.
International disputes
Territorial issues between Estonia and Russia
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After the dissolution of the Soviet Union Estonia had hoped for the return of more than 2,000 square kilometers of territory annexed to Russia after World War II in 1945. The annexed land had been within the borders Estonia approved by Russia in the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty. However, the Boris Yeltsin government disavowed any responsibility for acts committed by the Soviet Union. After signing the border treaty by the corresponding foreign minister in 2005, it was ratified by the Estonian government and president. The Russian side interpreted the preamble as giving Estonia a possibility for future territorial claim, and Vladimir Putin notified Estonia that Russia will not consider these. Negotiations were reopened in 2012 and the Treaty was signed in February 2014. Ratification is still pending.[9]
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Estonia maintains diplomatic relations with:
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Bilateral relations
Multilateral
| Organization | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Europe.svg European Union | See 2004 enlargement of the European Union
Estonia joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004. | |
| File:Flag of NATO.svg NATO |
Estonia joined NATO as a full member on 29 March 2004. |
Africa
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt | 1937 |
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| File:Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia | 23 August 2005[16] |
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| File:Flag of Lesotho.svg Lesotho | 2012 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 2012.[18]
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| File:Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco | 22 June 1992 |
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| File:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa |
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Americas
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina | 27 September 1991 |
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| File:Flag of Belize.svg Belize | 5 May 1999 |
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| File:Flag of Bolivia.svg Bolivia | 8 September 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil | September 1991 |
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| File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada | 1922 | |
| File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile | 22 September 1921 | See Chile–Estonia relations
Chile first recognized Estonia on 22 September 1921. Chile re-recognised Estonia on 28 August 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 27 September 1991. An agreement on visa-free travel between Estonia and Chile came into force on 2 December 2000.[22][23][24] The two countries also have in force a Memorandum on co-operation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.[22] Agreements on cultural, tourism, and IT cooperation are being readied.[22] Chile is among Estonia's most important foreign trade partners in South America.[25] In 2006, Estonia and Chile issued the joint Antarctic themed stamp series, designed by Ülle Marks and Jüri Kass, bearing images of the Emperor penguin and the minke whale.[26] The works of Chilean writers Isabel Allende, Pablo Neruda and José Donoso have been translated into Estonian.[22]
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| File:Flag of Colombia.svg Colombia | 22 September 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Costa Rica.svg Costa Rica | 4 October 1993[28] |
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| File:Flag of Cuba.svg Cuba | 12 November 1991[29] |
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| File:Flag of El Salvador.svg El Salvador |
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| File:Flag of Guyana.svg Guyana | 19 April 1997 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1997.[30]
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| File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico | 28 January 1937 | See Estonia–Mexico relations
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| File:Flag of Peru.svg Peru |
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| File:Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg Saint Kitts and Nevis | 2009 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 2009.[33]
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| File:Flag of the United States.svg United States | 22 July 1922 | See Estonia–United States relations
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| File:Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay |
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| File:Flag of Venezuela.svg Venezuela |
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Asia
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Taliban.svg Afghanistan | 1 July 2005 |
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| File:Flag of Armenia.svg Armenia | 23 August 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan | 20 April 1992 | See Azerbaijan-Estonia relations
| |
| File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia | 31 August 2005 |
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| File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China | 11 September 1991 |
In June 2020, Estonia openly opposed the Hong Kong national security law[36] | |
| File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia | 17 June 1992 |
| |
| File:Flag of India.svg India | 22 September 1921 | See Estonia–India relations
| |
| File:Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia | 5 July 1993 |
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| File:Flag of Iran.svg Iran | 22 September 1921[37] |
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| File:Flag of Iraq.svg Iraq | 22 April 2005 |
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| File:Flag of Israel.svg Israel | 9 January 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Japan.svg Japan | 26 January 1921 |
| |
| File:Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Kazakhstan | 27 May 1992 |
| |
| File:Flag of Kuwait.svg Kuwait | 28 October 1994 |
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| File:Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg Kyrgyzstan | 1996 |
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| File:Flag of Malaysia.svg Malaysia | 4 November 1993 |
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| File:Flag of Mongolia.svg Mongolia | 20 October 1991 |
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| File:Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea | — |
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| File:Flag of Oman.svg Oman | 23 September 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Pakistan.svg Pakistan | 20 September 1993 |
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| File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea | 17 September 1991 |
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and the Republic of Korea began on 1991-09-17. | |
| File:Flag of Sri Lanka.svg Sri Lanka | 31 January 1996 | See Estonia–Sri Lanka relations
| |
| File:Flag of Tajikistan.svg Tajikistan | 2006 |
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| File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand | 22 October 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey | 23 October 1991 | See Estonia–Turkey relations
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| File:Flag of Turkmenistan.svg Turkmenistan | 26 August 1994 |
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| File:Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg United Arab Emirates | 28 March 2006 |
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| File:Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan | 10 October 1994 |
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| File:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam |
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Europe
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania | 1 January 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria | 26 June 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus | 6 April 1992 | See Belarus-Estonia relations
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| File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium | 26 January 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg Bosnia and Herzegovina | 8 February 1993 |
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| File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria | 20 May 1921 | See Bulgaria–Estonia relations
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| File:Flag of Croatia.svg Croatia | 2 March 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Cyprus.svg Cyprus | 22 January 1992 |
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| File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic | 9 September 1991 |
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| File:Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark | 1921 | See Denmark–Estonia relations
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| File:Flag of Finland.svg Finland | 20 June 1920 | See Estonia–Finland relations
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| File:Flag of France.svg France | 26 January 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany | 28 August 1991 | See Estonia–Germany relations
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| File:Flag of Greece.svg Greece | 19 May 1922 | See Estonia–Greece relations
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| File:Flag of the Vatican City - 2001 version.svg Holy See | 10 October 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary | 24 February 1921 | See Estonia–Hungary relations
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| File:Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland | 30 January 1922 |
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| File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland | 27 August 1991 |
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| File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy | 26 January 1921 | See Estonia–Italy relations
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| File:Flag of Kosovo.svg Kosovo | 24 April 2008 | See Estonia–Kosovo relations
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| File:Flag of Latvia.svg Latvia | 3 December 1918 | See Estonia–Latvia relations
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| File:Flag of Lithuania.svg Lithuania | 1919 | See Estonia–Lithuania relations
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| File:Flag of Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg | 22 February 1923 |
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| File:Flag of Malta.svg Malta | 1 January 1992 |
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| File:Flag of Moldova.svg Moldova | See Estonia–Moldova relations | |
| File:Flag of Montenegro.svg Montenegro | 13 June 2006 | |
| File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands | 5 March 1921 |
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| File:Flag of North Macedonia.svg North Macedonia | 2 March 1995 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 March 1995. |
| File:Flag of Norway.svg Norway | 5 February 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland | 31 December 1920 | See Estonia–Poland relations
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| File:Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal | 6 February 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania | 26 February 1921 |
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| File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia | 2 February 1920 | See Estonia–Russia relations
Russia recognized Estonia via the Tartu Peace Treaty on 2 February 1920. Russian-Estonian relations were re-established in January 1991, when leaders of the two countries, Boris Yeltsin of Russia and Arnold Rüütel of Estonia, met in Tallinn and signed a treaty on the relations of the two countries after the anticipated independence of Estonia from the Soviet Union.[49][50] The treaty envisaged the right to freely choose their citizenship for all permanent residents of Estonia at the time. Russia re-recognized the Republic of Estonia on 24 August 1991 after the failed Soviet coup attempt, as one of the first countries to do so. The Soviet Union recognised the independence of Estonia on 6 September 1991. Estonia's ties with Boris Yeltsin's government weakened after the Russian president's initial show of solidarity with the Baltic states in January 1991. Issues surrounding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Baltic countries and Estonia's denial of automatic citizenship to persons who settled in Estonia in 1940–1991 and their offspring[51] ranked high on the list of points of contention.
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| File:Flag of Serbia.svg Serbia | 9 February 2001 | See Estonia–Serbia relations |
| File:Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia | 30 March 1993 | See Estonia–Slovakia relations
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| File:Flag of Slovenia.svg Slovenia |
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| File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain | 25 March 1921 | See Estonia–Spain relations
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| File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden | See Estonia–Sweden relations
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| File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland | 4 September 1991 |
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| File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine | 4 January 1992 | See Estonia–Ukraine relations
The contractual and legal framework of relations between Ukraine and Estonia covers a wide range of branches of bilateral cooperation, including political, trade and economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian, law enforcement and other spheres. This base is ramified and efficient enough and includes 53 bilateral documents, among which are 3 interstate agreements, 15 intergovernmental and 35 interdepartmental. Ukraine and Estonia bring together common aspirations in the political, economic, social and other spheres. Recognizing Ukraine as its foreign policy priority, Estonia is one of the most consistent supporters of Ukraine's European choice, supported the signing of the Agreement on the Association of Ukraine with the EU. Intensive bilateral contacts between state and non-governmental institutions are developing, and interaction within the framework of international organizations is active. At the state level, the important role played by Ukraine in ensuring stability and security in Europe is constantly stressed. Estonia supports political and socio-economic reforms in Ukraine, provides substantial humanitarian, financial and advisory and technical assistance. |
| File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom | 5 February 1921 | See Estonia–United Kingdom relations
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Oceania
| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia | 22 September 1921 | See Australia–Estonia relations
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| File:Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand | 6 January 1992[57] | See Estonia–New Zealand relations
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| File:Flag of Samoa.svg Samoa | 2009 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 2009.[58]
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| File:Flag of Tonga.svg Tonga | 13 March 2015 |
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See also
- List of diplomatic missions in Estonia
- List of diplomatic missions of Estonia
- List of ambassadors to Estonia
- List of envoys of Estonia
- Visa requirements for Estonian citizens
References
- ↑ "Estonia blames Russia for unrest". BBC News. 29 April 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
- ↑ "Estonia strives to be at the core of the EU". The Finnish Institute of International Affairs. 17 October 2012. Archived from the original on 23 November 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
- ↑ Estonian foreign ministry publication Archived 25 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine, 2004
- ↑ Estonian foreign ministry publication Archived 7 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine, 2002
- ↑ "NATO :: NATO :: Estonia as a Nordic Country". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 8 March 2008.
- ↑ "Estonia - Nordic with a Twist". Archived from the original on 8 February 2008.
- ↑ "The Estonian Economic Miracle". The Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on 3 March 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2008. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) Foreign investment - ↑ "Estonia, Russia to exchange 128.6 hectares of land under border treaty". Estonian news - news.postimees.ee. 28 May 2013.
- ↑ "Diplomaatiliste suhete (taas)kehtestamise kronoloogia" (in eesti). 30 January 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ↑ "History of Diplomatic Relations (Embassy of Estonia in Riga)".
- ↑ "List of countries with which Lithuania has established diplomatic relations". Archived from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ↑ "Eesti ja Kongo vabariik sõlmisid diplomaatilised suhted". EestiPäevaleht (in eesti). 27 April 2006. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ↑ "Diplomatic relations between Tonga and ..." Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ↑ "Estonia and Cook Islands establish diplomatic relations". MFA Estonia. 25 October 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ↑ "Ethiopia | Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
- ↑ "Estonia appoints a chargé d'affaires to Addis Ababa".
- ↑ "Estonia Established Diplomatic Relations with Lesotho | Ministry of Foreign Affairs". vm.ee.
- ↑ "Diplomaatiliste suhete (taas)kehtestamise kronoloogia | Välisministeerium". vm.ee.
- ↑ "Office of the embassy of Canada in Tallinn". Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ↑ "Frontpage". Ottawa.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Estonia and Chile Archived 3 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Elektrooniline Riigi Teataja: Eesti Vabariigi valitsuse ja Tšiili Vabariigi valitsuse vaheline turistide viisakohustuse kaotamise kokkulepe
- ↑ "NewsLibrary.com - newspaper archive, clipping service - newspapers and other news sources". Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ Estonian Cabinet of Ministers: Prime Minister spoke with the President of Chile about the common interests of both states
- ↑ Õhtuleht Eesti ja Tšiili ühine postmark, 25 October 2006
- ↑ "- Cancillería". Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Costa Rica | Ministry of Foreign Affairs". vm.ee.
- ↑ "Cuba | Ministry of Foreign Affairs". vm.ee.
- ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ↑ "Frontpage". Washington.
- ↑ "Embassy of Mexico in Finland | Embajada de México en Finlandia". embamex.sre.gob.mx.
- ↑ "High-level meetings between Estonia, St. Kitts-Nevis begin". 13 April 2018.
- ↑ "Embassy of Estonia in Washington, D.C."
- ↑ "Embassy of the United States in Tallinn".
- ↑ Lawler, Dave (2 July 2020). "The 53 countries supporting China's crackdown on Hong Kong". Axios. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ↑ "Iran | Ministry of Foreign Affairs". vm.ee.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Bilateral relations (Estonia and Malaysia)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Estonia. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ↑ "Eesti saatkond".
- ↑ "HRVATSKA I ESTONIJA POTPISALE SPORAZUM O UKIDANJU VIZA I READMISIJI". Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Avaleht | Välisministeerium". vm.ee. Archived from the original on 3 August 2007.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Estonia and Luxembourg". Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
- ↑ "Mémorial A n° 76 de 1935 - Legilux". legilux.public.lu.
- ↑ "AGREEMENT ON ROAD TRANSPORT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA, THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA, THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA, THE KINGDOM OF". Archived from the original on 10 December 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ↑ "United Nations - Office of Legal Affairs". legal.un.org.
- ↑ "Estemb in Oslo". Archived from the original on 26 March 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Norra - ametlik kodulehekülg Eestis". Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Estonian Embassy in Poland". Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ Kristina Kallas, Eesti Vabariigi ja Vene Föderatsiooni riikidevahelised läbirääkimised aastatel 1990–1994 Archived 25 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine - Tartu 2000
- ↑ Eesti Ekspress: Ta astus sajandist pikema sammu - Boriss Jeltsin 1931-2007 Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, 25 April 2007
- ↑ Citizenship Act of Estonia (§ 5. Acquisition of Estonian citizenship by birth): "Citizenship Act of Estonia (1995, consolidated March 2004) - Legislationline - free online legislation database". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
- ↑ "OUTWARD STATE VISITS MADE BY THE QUEEN SINCE 1952". Official web site of the British Monarchy. Retrieved 29 November 2008.
- ↑ "Prince Harry pays tribute to Estonia's soldiers during visit". BBC News. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Pop up embassy opens in Estonia, Media release, 07 Mar 2018, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP". foreignminister.gov.au. Archived from the original on 20 March 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
- ↑ "Estonia". Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ↑ "Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Australia". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
- ↑ "New Zealand | Ministry of Foreign Affairs". vm.ee.
- ↑ "Countries with Established Diplomatic Relations with Samoa | Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade".