Estonian formin presents outgoing US formin with ministry's cross of service

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu presented the outgoing United States' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with a cross of service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Reinsalu wrote on his Facebook page that as a thanks for his friendship, he gave outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with whom he developed a good and humane understanding in close relations, a cross of service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"There were several important issues in international relations, in which case he turned especially to Estonia. We have done the same," Reinsalu wrote.

"A symbol of cooperation between our countries is the largest historical financial support by the U.S. Congress for the national defense of the Baltic states at the end of last year. Another major symbol has been the agreement on the construction of a new U.S. embassy building in Tallinn," the minister said.

"The friendship between Estonia and the United States is special, the United States has never recognized the annexation of our country and has steadfastly stood for our freedom and security," Reinsalu wrote, wishing success to incoming U.S. President Joe Biden.