Estonia's goal to intensify cooperation with US in near future

  • 2022-07-28
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - On the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and the United States on Thursday, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu met with newly appointed US Charge d'Affaires Gabrielle Cowan to discuss European security and continued support for Ukraine.

The United States of America recognized the independent Republic of Estonia de jure on July 28, 1922 and never recognized the Soviet occupation of Estonia.

"The United States of America has been a strong supporter of Estonian statehood and sovereignty all these years," Reinsalu said, adding that today, Estonia and the United States work hand-in-hand to provide full support to Ukraine, which has been fighting for the preservation of its sovereignty and statehood.

"We are friends, allies in NATO, and partners. I look forward to what the next 100 years will bring," Reinsalu said, noting that Estonia's goal is to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States in the near future and to find additional ways of cooperation. "Besides the area of security and defense, in recent years we have intensified cooperation on cyber issues, development cooperation, promotion of democracy, and also in the field of economics."

The US charge d’affaires, Gabrielle Cowan, said, "Today, as we celebrate the centennial of our diplomatic relations, the partnership between the United States and Estonia is stronger than ever. I had the pleasure of meeting with Secretary of State Reinsalu today to highlight this significant anniversary and discuss our the most important shared priorities -- support for Ukraine, efforts to hold Russia accountable and cooperation in defending our shared democratic values.”

The embassy of the United States of America in Tallinn launched its "100 Days to 100 Years" campaign in Tallinn on April 19 this year to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations. During the campaign that concluded today, the US embassy highlighted important moments and partners who have contributed to the development of US-Estonian relations since 1922.

Last month, a stamp was issued to mark the 100th anniversary of Estonian-US diplomatic relations, and a conference was organized where the project "USA-Balti 100" was introduced.