104 years ago today, the peace treaty between the Republic of Estonia and Soviet Russia was signed in Tartu. The Tartu Peace Treaty was a triumph of Estonian diplomacy but it was also the triumph of the desire for freedom of the Estonian people and the determination of Estonian soldiers.
Diplomacy cannot succeed in a vacuum. For diplomacy to be successful, it must have solid support. This was the case in Estonia after the War of Independence: with help from our allies, our soldiers had driven the enemy from our lands and the people were determined in their support for the principles most aptly articulated in the Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia.
A lot has changed over 104 years. By now, we have linked ourselves to the main organisations of the democratic world and anchored ourselves to Europe more firmly than ever. This year, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Estonia’s accession into the European Union and NATO – this signifies a milestone that was the object of the efforts of our diplomacy for years, and it allows us to feel much more secure today in both our security and our economy. We can be proud of these and many other foreign policy accomplishments of Estonia and the diplomats who contributed to them!
Threats to European security have not disappeared. There is a war being waged in Europe now, too, and just as back then, this war does not concern only a few countries. In Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the future of all of Europe is at stake. It also moves us to ask whether we will allow Europe to be subjected to the politics of force guided by imperialism or do we want a Europe where sovereignty and territorial integrity hold force in reality and aggression is cast into the dustbin of history. These are existential principles for Estonia and our answer is unequivocal – we will not allow the aggressor to win.
To win Russia’s war of aggression, we must support Ukraine and we must maintain our unity, both at home and among Allies. In the current tense circumstances, a particularly great responsibility falls on diplomacy. However, today’s diplomacy cannot be conducted in a vacuum either.
We would like to thank all Estonian diplomats and their families and all people who have stood up for Estonia and continue to do so. The disputes of Estonia’s domestic politics must remain between our walls; abroad we stand as one. A free Estonia, firmly in a free Europe.
Margus Tsahkna Eva-Maria Liimets
Urmas Reinsalu Sven Mikser
Jürgen Ligi Marina Kaljurand
Keit Pentus-Rosimannus Urmas Paet
Rein Lang Kristiina Ojuland
Toomas Hendrik Ilves Raul Mälk
Siim Kallas Riivo Sinijärv
Jüri Luik Trivimi Velliste
Jaan Manitski
