Government decided to close Estonian embassy in Brazil

The Government of Estonia has decided to restructure Estonia’s representation in Brazil and close Estonia’s embassy there as of 1 January 2017. Mart Tarmak, the Estonian Ambassador to Brazil, will continue his duties from Estonia.

Estonia would like to continue developing friendly bilateral relations with Brazil and increase cooperation in international organisations.

Estonia will still have three honorary consuls in Brazil - Jüri Saukas in São Paulo, Oskar Metsavaht in Rio de Janeiro and Flemming Rickfors in Santos. Other EU embassies are also available to help with consular issues.

Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conducted a thorough analysis of Estonia’s current foreign representations network and, due to a lack of recourses, decided to make necessary rearrangements while keeping in mind Estonia’s foreign and security policy goals. “Our rearrangement plans are based on partnerships that are relevant for Estonia’s security, our economic interests and offering protection for our citizens abroad. In light of the current security situation, it is important not to close our representations in EU and NATO member states,” the Foreign Minister said. “Our diplomats have done and continue to do excellent work in representing Estonia’s security and economic interests and in standing for and protecting the interests of our citizens. However, the Foreign Ministry is, of course, solidary with other government departments. If the state has to economise, so shall we”, said Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand.