This year, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Estonia celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Over these years the relationships between Azerbaijan and Estonia were established on a firm foundation of traditional friendship and mutual understanding.
The Republic of Azerbaijan recognized the independence of the Republic of Estonia on the 6th of December 1991. The Republic of Estonia recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the 20th of February 1992. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on the 20th of April 1992.
The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Estonia was opened on the 30th of September 2009. On the 26th of August 2014 the diplomatic office of the Republic of Estonia in the Republic of Azerbaijan (Baku) was opened.
The visits of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev (2010) to Estonia, President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves (2009), Prime minister A. Ansip (2008) to Azerbaijan contributed to the development of bilateral relations.
Active inter-parliamentary cooperation between our countries also contributes to further strengthening of bilateral relations.
On February 6-8, 2022 a parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the Milli Majlis Mrs.Sahiba Gafarova paid an official visit to Estonia, on May 22-26, 2022 a parliamentary delegation led by the President ofEstonian Parliament (Riigikogu) Mr.Jüri Ratas paidan official visit to Azerbaijan.
The significant contribution to the development of inter-parliamentary relations makes friendship group that exist in legislative bodies of both countries: the Milli Majlis and the Riigikogu.
Economic relations between two countries have shown positive growth dynamics over the past years. In 2021 the trade turnover between the countries amounted to 6.2 million US dollars (20 % higher than in 2020).
The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Estonia which was established in 2011 plays significant role in the expanding of economic ties between the countries.
Business communities of both countries play a crucial role in developing and exploring new areas of bilateral economic relations. Over the recent years business forums were held both in Baku and Tallinn. The last one was held in October 2018 in Baku.
Countries enjoy successful cooperation in the field of information and communication technologies and e-government. Representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan participated in an online format at the 8th e-Governance Conference “Resilient and Seamless Governance” held on 10–12 May 2022.
The two countries enjoy growing bilateral humanitarian relations. Various cultural events to promote Azerbaijani culture in Estonia and vice versa are being held regularly in both countries. The most recent example of such events is an exhibition held on July 19, 2022 in Tallinn entitled “Azerbaijani patterns” which featured various paintings and carpets depicting Shusha and other beautiful corners of Azerbaijan.
The countries enjoy active cooperation in educational sphere as well. Currently, more than 200 Azerbaijani students study in Estonian educational centers.
Azerbaijan and Estonia successfully cooperate not only bilaterally, but also within various international organizations such as the United Nations, OSCE and others.
The existence of a broad legal framework between the two countries also plays an important role in strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia in all areas. So far more than 20 documents have been signed between Azerbaijan and Estonia.
In the 30 years of diplomatic relations the two countries laid a foundation for the continued growth of the interstate relations in the years to come. Azerbaijan and Estonia not only share achievements in the past, but also views aimed for the fruitful cooperation in the future.
Anar Maharramov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Estonia
