Today, on the 100th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, entrepreneurs, journalists and social figures who have contributed to Estonia’s foreign policy were recognised with decorations. Estonia’s honorary consuls and employs of the ministry were also thanked for their long and valuable contribution to the ministry’s activities.
“Effective foreign policy is a collaborative effort, which is why it’s so important that as many people are included as possible,” said Foreign Minister Sven Mikser. “I’m really happy we have so many partners and allies in Estonia whose energy and contributions play an important role in achieving our objectives. Today is a special day for the ministry, and we would like to thank all those who’ve done their bit for Estonia’s foreign policy and to promote the country abroad.”
Silver decorations were awarded to 14 partners, 22 employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 10 honorary consuls.
The ceremony was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the ministry. Although Estonia’s foreign service took shape as the result of a much longer process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be said to have begun operating on 14 November 1918 when it wrote to the British and French consuls in Helsinki seeking arms and assistance to stop German forces taking food and supplies out of the country. This was a key moment in the story of Estonian statehood: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the only state authority in the country which has operated without interruption for a full century.
Gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHskMjjVrh
Decorations were awarded to the following partners:
Andres Hinnosaar
KPMG Baltics OÜ
For outstanding cooperation in the field of information systems
Andris Viltsin
Head of Personal Protection Bureau at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, Lieutenant Colonel
For many years of outstanding cooperation
Anne-Marie Riitsaar
National expert
For outstanding cooperation in the UN’s high-level working group of national experts and for contributing to raising Estonia’s profile in the interests of the UN Security Council campaign
Johannes Tralla
ERR
For bringing European Union news to the Estonian audience as ERR’s Brussels correspondent and for outstanding cooperation in the organisation of the annual EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region forum as a moderator and programme designer
Karin Sarapuu
Former director of the Occupational Health and Safety Centre of East-Tallinn Central Hospital
For outstanding cooperation in the organisation of medicals for foreign service officials
Kaupo Rosin
Permanent representation to NATO, military division adviser to NATO and the EU, specialised diplomat
For many years of excellent cooperation as the Chief of Military Intelligence of the Estonian Defence Forces
Killu Christine Vantsi
Adviser, Citizenship and Migration Policy Department of the Ministry of the Interior
For many years of outstanding cooperation in the development of legal acts and their amendments pertaining to issues of migration
Liina Hammer
Senior Document Specialist, Document Printing Centre, Citizenship and International Protection Bureau, Information Management and Processing Department, Police and Border Guard Board
For many years of outstanding cooperation
Marika Jahilo
For many years of outstanding cooperation in the organisation of the annual conference of ambassadors
Milla Asmu
Administrator of Tallinn Flag Factory
For many years of fruitful cooperation in activities related to the symbols of Estonia and their promotion
Paavo Nõgene
Chairman of the Management Board, AS Tallink Grupp
For many years of excellent cooperation and the promotion of cultural diplomacy as a secretary general in the Ministry of Culture
Priit Mikk
Amazing Productions
For outstanding, dedicated and fruitful cooperation in the organisation of the annual EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region forum
Riina Ruth Kionka
European External Action Service
For many years of outstanding cooperation
Sigrid Solnik
Director, MTÜ Arengukoostöö Ümarlaud /NGO Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation/
For many years of outstanding cooperation in shaping development cooperation policy and as a member of the development cooperation committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Additional information:
Britta Tarvis
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]
+372 637 7627 / +372 5194 7045