Today 3 February marks a hundred years from the day Portugal recognised the Republic of Estonia de jure. Estonia and Portugal are celebrating the anniversary with a joint statement by their foreign ministries and a timeline compiled for the occasion.
Portugal recognised Estonia de facto in 1918 and de jure on 3 February 1921, and has continuously recognised the sovereignty of Estonia since. Portugal reaffirmed this with the re-recognition of Estonia on 27 August 1991 and the restoration of diplomatic relations on 1 October 1991.
In the joint statement, the foreign ministries of Estonia and Portugal note their strong and long relations, and their like-mindedness and eagerness to cooperate in many areas.
“Today, Portugal and Estonia share several priorities, ranging from fighting climate change to the digital transformation of their societies while promoting a European Social model based on solidarity and convergence,” the joint statement says. “There are multiple areas of common interest where both countries have already established a solid basis for collaboration such as e governance and cybersecurity, as well as security and defence cooperation. Our countries are keen to further develop shared interests such as increasing cultural exchanges, particularly in the area of heritage tourism, and deepening scientific cooperation between research institutions of both countries.”
Concluding the statement, Portugal and Estonia reaffirm their commitment to further strengthening their bilateral relations at the political, economic and cultural levels, as well as to reinforcing their cooperation in the context of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and other international multilateral fora where both countries already have a strong track record of close and fruitful cooperation.
Timeline of diplomatic relations
Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]
