ECC Applauds Decision to Open Full Embassy in Estonia

The Estonian Central Council in Canada applauds the Government of Canada’s announcement to expand its representation in Estonia and Lithuania to full embassies. This will effectively support our growing security, commercial and cultural links.

Over the past decade the Council has advocated for this needed diplomatic infrastructure as Canada has made the Baltic region a priority through closer trade development and NATO cooperation.

Russia’s actions over these years have consistently demonstrated the threat it poses, making it critical for Canada to have sufficient diplomatic capacity with its Allies on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

“It is critical we work together against the most significant and direct threat to our security we face. This decision will bring deeper collaboration to protect democracy and the free world,” said Council President, Kairi Taul Hemingway. Deeper collaboration will help counter Russia’s destabilizing activities. The Baltic States are noted as a key partner on cyber defence and fighting disinformation in a 2017 parliamentary committee report on strengthening Canadian engagement in Eastern Europe.

In addition to the benefits of security cooperation, a full embassy will allow greater capacity to support trade. Estonia’s expertise in the area of IT, as well as in the resource, forestry and maritime industries offer great opportunities to Canadians. Canada also has the ability to provide Estonia and the entire Baltic region with a future source of alternative, reliable and safe gas and energy.

This announcement will also enhance our shared cultural activities and connections. Canada is home to one of the world’s largest and most active Estonian diaspora communities. Canadian-Estonian led initiatives such as Estonian Music Week, the Latitude 44 tech conference, the International Estonian Center and the Global Estonian movement are great examples of where Canadians are helping forge new relations with Estonia and the region.

For more information, please contact:

https://www.estoniancouncil.ca/

Estonian Central Council in Canada 310 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W4

Inquiries: estoniancentralcouncil@gmail.com