Estonia plans to open embassy in Azerbaijan

TALLINN - Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, visiting Azerbaijan on Wednesday with an Estonian business delegation, announced that he will propose to the government the opening of an Estonian embassy in the country. The announcement followed meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov.

"Azerbaijan is an important partner in the South Caucasus region, Estonian companies are interested in operating here, and opening an embassy will provide enhanced opportunities to strengthen our relations and promote practical cooperation," Foreign Minister Tsahkna said during his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "I will propose to the government that Estonia's current representation in Baku be upgraded to a full embassy."

During the meetings with both the Azerbaijani president and Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov, discussions covered the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"The declaration signed this summer in Washington between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a significant milestone in ending the three-decade-long conflict. It is crucial that this is now followed by determined progress and the full and timely implementation of the agreed-upon steps," said Tsahkna. "The stability of the South Caucasus is vital for the security of Europe as a whole, and Estonia will continue to support Armenia and Azerbaijan in achieving a comprehensive peace."

Discussing Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Tsahkna commended Azerbaijan for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and for its support in restoring vital infrastructure. "By intensifying its attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, including the electricity and gas grids, Russia aims to leave Ukrainians in the cold and dark ahead of winter. Any assistance in repairing this infrastructure helps Ukraine to endure," Tsahkna stated.

While in Baku, the foreign minister also met with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan; Samir Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport; and Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy.

The foreign minister was accompanied on the visit by an Estonian business delegation, and an Estonian-Azerbaijani business seminar was held. "Several Estonian companies have been operating in the Azerbaijani market for years, offering innovative solutions such as participating in the development of Mobile-ID and the creation of Azerbaijan's e-service centers (ASAN)," Tsahkna said. "The fact that nearly 20 companies joined the business delegation for this visit proves our businesses' interest in this market. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to help establish contacts and open the necessary doors," he noted, adding that there is significant potential for cooperation in areas including education, green technologies, logistics, and IT.