Estonia's Deputy Foreign Minister Discussed Cooperation and Security in Baku

Martin Roger, deputy secretary for policy at Estonia's foreign ministry, visited Baku where he discussed bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU with his Azerbaijani counterparts. During the visit, Roger met with Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev, the President's Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Hikmet Hajiyev, and Deputy Defence Minister Agil Gurbanov. Estonia has been taking consistent steps to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Azerbaijan and is opening a permanent embassy in Baku.

Estonia's foreign ministry deputy secretary for policy Martin Roger visited Baku on 11 June, where he held political consultations with Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev. During the visit, Roger also met with the President's Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Hikmet Hajiyev and Deputy Defence Minister Agil Gurbanov.

Cooperation in education and economics

Estonia's foreign ministry stated that one of the main topics of the talks was developing political and economic cooperation between the two countries. According to Roger, cooperation in the fields of education, culture, digital technology and economics has expanded significantly in recent years. Estonia is interested in further strengthening business relations and expanding opportunities for Estonian companies to operate in the Azerbaijani market.

The talks also addressed Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union. In Estonia's foreign ministry's assessment, Azerbaijan is an important EU partner, particularly in developing energy and transport links.

Ukraine war and peace process

Special attention was given to Russia's war in Ukraine. Roger emphasised that Moscow's actions do not point to a desire for peace, and the international community must continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to achieve a fair and sustainable peace.

The talks also covered the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process. Estonia's representative welcomed steps by both countries towards normalising relations and strengthening regional stability. Estonia consistently supports the territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and hopes for further progress in the talks.

Estonia opens permanent embassy in Baku

On the same day as the visit, 11 June, President Alar Karis signed a decree appointing diplomat Tiina Nirk as Estonia's Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan. She will be the first Estonian ambassador to be permanently based in Baku.

Until now, diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan have been conducted through Estonia's embassy in Turkey. Väino Reinart, Estonia's ambassador to Turkey, simultaneously represented Estonia in Azerbaijan, while a diplomatic mission in Baku was headed by Jaak Lensment. Following Nirk's appointment, Reinart has been formally relieved of his duties as ambassador in Azerbaijan.

The Estonian government made the decision to open an embassy in Baku last year. In addition to Azerbaijan, Estonia plans to open new diplomatic missions in Kenya, Brazil, Armenia and Moldova in 2026.

---SOCIAL_HOOK: Estonia opens its first permanent embassy in Baku, until now relations with Azerbaijan have been conducted through Turkey.