Minister: Estonia must remain in leading role in foreign policy

TALLINN – At the conference of heads of Estonia's foreign missions that began in Tallinn on Monday, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia must maintain its role as a leader in foreign policy.

In his opening speech, Tsahkna thanked the ambassadors for their dedication to making Estonia visible and heard and spoke about Estonia's priorities for the upcoming foreign policy season.

"Estonia has often gone beyond its limits on the international stage and has taken the lead on many issues, and we must certainly continue in the same way going forward. Our ambassadors play a key role in this," the minister said. He added that Estonia will remain focused on achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

"There is no doubt that Putin has only feigned a potential desire for peace and is, in fact, continuing to pursue his goal of subduing Ukraine and reshaping the security architecture in Europe according to his own wishes. Therefore, we must continue on our current course, which means providing comprehensive support to the victim of aggression and pressuring the aggressor to end the war," he said.

The key words, according to the Estonian minister, are military support for Ukraine and the development of security guarantees, tightening sanctions against Russia, and mobilizing frozen Russian assets.

In addition, the minister spoke about the enlargement of the European Union, strengthening cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries, the situation in the Middle East, business diplomacy, and supporting Estonian companies in entering and operating in foreign markets.

Estonia has a total of 45 foreign missions around the world. As part of the conference of heads of missions, several discussions are taking place on foreign and security policy, as well as economic and educational topics.

The heads of missions will visit the Ämari Air Base and participate in an export club, which brings together Estonian ambassadors and more than 200 entrepreneurs from various fields who are interested in exporting their products and services.

Speakers for the ambassadors will include Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, and the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas.