Estemb in Helsinki :: Events

Finnish President Tarja Halonen to Come to Estonia for Working Visit

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:08:19 GMT

Finnish President Tarja Halonen to Come to Estonia for Working Visit

Finnish President Tarja Halonen will be in Estonia on Monday, 30 January. Tarja Halonen, who is nearing the end of her term as head of state, will meet with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who will host a lunch in her honour. The Finnish president also has plans to meet with Riigikogu Speaker Ene Ergma.

Topics to be discussed at the meetings are Estonia-Finland bilateral relations and European Union subjects such as the situation in the euro zone, matters related to economic and financial policy, and the EU’s next financial perspective. Regional co-operation, including co-operation in the energy and transport sectors and in the Baltic Sea region in general, will also be discussed. International topics will include developments in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Finnish Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb Going to Indonesia on a Joint Visit

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:20:39 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Finnish Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb Going to Indonesia on a Joint Visit

23.01.2012

From 24-26 January, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will be on a joint visit to Indonesia with Finnish Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb. The ministers will be accompanied by a 36-member delegation of Estonian and Finnish entrepreneurs.

Foreign Minister Paet stated that this is Estonia’s first high-level visit to Indonesia. “The goal of the visit is to promote the business opportunities of Estonian entrepreneurs, create ties with Indonesia, which has the biggest economy in south-eastern Asia and is a member of the G-20, and also enliven Estonia’s foreign policy towards South-East Asia,” he said. “The joint visit will also definitely help to strengthen the unified image of the European Union countries of the Baltic Sea region,” he added.

Within the framework of the visit there are meetings scheduled with Foreign Minister of Indonesia Marty Natalegawa, Minister of Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Minister of Trade Gita Wirjawani, Minister of Communication and Informatics Tifatul Sembiring, Minister of Health Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, and Minister of Defence Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

The delegation of Estonian entrepreneurs includes representatives of companies that work in logistics, chemical production, information technology, software development, security services, and paper and wood panel production.

Both ministers will also participate in an Estonia-Finland-Indonesia business seminar.

SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
pressitalitus@mfa.ee

Estonia and Finland sign agreement simplifying state procedures for citizens

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:39:51 GMT

Estonia and Finland sign agreement simplifying state procedures for citizens

Turku, 12 December 2011 – Estonian prime minister Andrus Ansip and his Finnish counterpart Jyrki Katainen signed an agreement today nullifying the requirement to get documents issued by the two countries’ population registers legalised.

This will simplify everyday procedures for citizens of both nations in their dealings with the state, making it both quicker and cheaper. Based on the agreement, extracts from the population registers of Estonia and Finland that are issued in English will now be recognised without an accompanying apostille and translation. Until now, all documents sought to be used in the other country have had to be translated and certified in accordance with the Hague convention – i.e. with an apostille. Such certification costs €11 in Finland and €26.80 in Estonia, with the additional costs of translation.

The agreement means that this formality has been waived for population register extracts, which set out a person’s birth, death, marriage and family status and which to date have accounted for as much as 90% of all document turnover. Since 1 January 2011, apostilles in Estonia have been issued by notaries. 2176 were issued for use in Finland in 2010, with a further 1660 issued so far this year. As such, the requirement being dropped will save Estonians around €35,000.

The agreement also establishes the principles of applying for the document, according to which the competent agencies (in this case the Estonian Population Register and the central agency of the Finnish Population Register) must submit applications through a diplomatic or consular representation. The documents will be issued free of charge. Individuals applying for the document are subject to the ordinary procedure, which requires them to pay a state fee in order to do so.

7462 separate instances of consular services being extended to Estonian citizens were recorded at the Estonian embassy in Helsinki in 2009; the same figure for 2010 was 8653, while for the first 10 months of 2011 alone it had risen to 11,116. Such services include applying for passports, registering births and certifying marital and family status. Legal assistance memoranda containing similar agreements have been signed by Estonia with Latvia, Lithuania and Russia.

Photos from the signing of the agreement are available online at

http://valitsus.ee/UserFiles/valitsus/et/uudised/pildi-ja-video-album/peaminister/Ansip_Katainen_12.12.2011_1.jpg

President of Estonia to visit Finland

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:23:48 GMT

President of Estonia to visit Finland

President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves will make a working visit to Finland on 17 October 2011.

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen will hold bilateral discussions with President Ilves and host a luncheon at the Presidential Palace. President Ilves will also visit the Finnish Parliament and meet Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja.

President Ilves commenced his second term as the President of Estonia on 10 October 2011. During his first term he made a state visit to Finland in spring 2007 as well as several working visits.

Opera gala of the international music day 1 October in Estonian House, Kattilahalli, Suvilahti in Helsinki

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:40:49 GMT

Opera gala of the international music day 1 October in Estonian House, Kattilahalli, Suvilahti in Helsinki

The Estonian House in Finland in cooperation with the Estonian National Opera celebrates the international music day with a grand opera gala on 1 October in the Estonian House in Helsinki, in Kattilahalli in Suvilahti that seats one thousand spectators. The gala concert is also the anniversary concert of the Estonian House which marks its first year this autumn. In addition to the Estonian boys’ choir, young talented singers perform whose successful studies and career have taken them far from home.

Katrin Targo, Elina Volkmane (Latvia), Alexander Schulz (Germany) and Valmar Saar perform extracts from the work of Bizet, Puccini, Mozart, Wagner, Händel, Saint-Saens, Gounod, Leoncavallo, Strauss. The conductor is Jüri Alperten and the host of the evening Mart Mikk. The symphony orchestra of the National Opera performs as well. Altogether 120 performers will step up to the stage in Kattilahalli.

The concert offers an overview of the repertoire of next seasons at the Estonian National Opera. Opera galas always present the best pieces in the field within a short period of time. This year’s gala is especially exciting for the viewers and performers, as it enables to hear young talented singers who are not yet members of the National Opera. This is thus a unique opportunity to witness the start of their successful career.

Director of the National Opera Mart Mikk takes people along to an exciting adventure into the magic world of opera, and introduces the next season. As not all Finnish opera friends are able to visit the theatre as often as they would like, we bring Estonian high culture to them.

More information:
Grete Ahtola
Head of the Estonian Institute in Finland
Viro-instituutti Suomessa
www.viro-instituutti.fi/oopperagaala
www.facebook.com/viroinstituutti
Estonian House – Viro-keskus,
Sörnäisten rantatie 22, 00540 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 669805
Tel. +358 50 4385331

info@viro-instituutti.fi

Exhibition by Ivi and Jüri Arrak at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:30:15 GMT

Exhibition by Ivi and Jüri Arrak at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki

On Wednesday, 7 September at 3pm, a joint exhibition of graphic art and paintings by Ivi and Jüri Arrak will open at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki. The exhibition features works by the husband and wife artists from 1973-2010.

Highlights include the vanguard of Jüri Arrak’s graphic art, including his most famous print, ”Mängud puu ümber” (Games Around the Tree, 1976) and his latest, the lithograph, ”Mängud inimestega” (Games with People). Ivi Arrak will exhibit a triptych consisting of horizontal and vertical landscapes the artist herself terms a “sensual terrain journey”.

Jüri Arrak (born on 24 October 1936 in Tallinn) is an Estonian artist known for his paintings, graphic art, metal art and films. He is a 1966 graduate of the metal and jewellery art department of what is now the Estonian Academy of Arts. He made his first foray into painting and graphic art already as a student. He has been an independent artist and member of the Artists Union since 1969.

Jüri Arrak’s narrative world involves the use of paradox, and his paintings witness the recurring use of a cipher-like main character who is given a new meaning each time. Arrak makes use of archetypes, and alters and parodies mythic interpretations that are considered sacrosanct, offering up new visions ("Europe lahkumine",1975;"Jüri’s battle with the dragon”, 1979; "Bearers", 1980; "People with objects", 1985, Estonian Art Investment Fund). The imaginative powers of this artist conjure up unexpected visions imbued with suggestive powers (Circus, 1977, Art Museum of Estonia; City of Towers, “Hornblower, 1980; “On the Steps of the Wall, 1981, Art Museum of Estonia, Wolf with Golden Staff, 1983; Piper, 1985, private collection Tallinn. Jüri Arrak is a winner of the Kristjan Raud prize for art (1990) and the Republic of Estonia’s Order of the White Star second class (2000).

Ivi Arrak has studied art since 1992 under the tutelage of husband Jüri Arrak. She has had numerous solo exhibitions along with, in 2009, a joint exhibition with Jüri Arrak, entitled “Woman and Man” at Viinistu Art Museum, which was also on display at the Pärnu Contemporary Art Museum and, in 2010, the exhibition “Paintings and Books” in St. John’s Church in Tallinn in conjunction with Ruth Alas.

In July 2011, Ivi and Jüri Arrak co-exhibited in Bulgaria with Finnish ceramic artist Elina Sorainen and Hungarian painter Andras Szögi.

Ivi and Jüri Arrak’s exhibition at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki will run through 30 November. It can be visited by registering in advance with the Embassy secretary at +358 9 622 02 60 or by arrangement with cultural attaché Liisa Ojaveer.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Liisa Ojaveer
Cultural Councellor of the Estonian Embassy
Liisa.Ojaveer@mfa.ee
Telephone: +358 9 622 02 60

President Ilves to present his book Omalla äänellä in Helsinki

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:17:03 GMT

President Ilves to present his book Omalla äänellä in Helsinki

On Tuesday, 6 September, the Estonian Head of State, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, will present his collection of essays, articles and speeches, entitled Omalla äänellä, in the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia and the Akateeminen Kirjakauppa bookstore in Helsinki.

At 14:00, the presentation of Omalla äänellä will take place for invited guests and journalists in the Estonian Embassy, where the book’s editor, Iivi Anna Masso, and the long-term cultural editor of the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Saska Saarikoski, will be discussing the book with President Ilves.

At 18:00, President Ilves will present Omalla äänellä and meet the public in Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, Finland’s largest bookstore (Keskuskatu 1/Pohjoisesplanadi 39). The writer and politician Lasse Lehtinen will be discussing the book here with the President.

In Omalla äänellä, which was published by the Finnish publishing house WSOY, President Ilves talks about Estonia returning to the map of Europe and global policies, including the close ties between Finland and Estonia, and he also discusses life, philosophy, literature and music.

The book consists of the President’s speeches and essays and also includes an interview with the President by the compiler of the book, Iivi Anna Masso, which sheds light on the development of his political views and provides other background information.

President Ilves will also meet the Finnish Head of State, Tarja Halonen, in Helsinki on 6 September.

More information about the book is available at: http://bit.ly/npiJec

More information about the book:
Iivi Anna Masso
Editor of Omalla äänellä
E-mail iivi@icds.ee
Tel: +372 53881491.

Additional information:
Maarika Saarna-Siimann
Press Secretary
Estonian Embassy in Helsinki
Maarika.Siimann@mfa.ee
+358 9 622 0260

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Konstantin Grishchenko at the Nordic-Baltic 8 meeting in Helsinki

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:53:53 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Konstantin Grishchenko at the Nordic-Baltic 8 meeting in Helsinki

30.08.2011

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Konstantin Grishchenko last night at the Nordic-Baltic 8 meeting in Helsinki to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine as well as Ukraine's cooperation with the European Union.

Paet stressed that Estonia supports a fast track to closer integration between Ukraine and the European Union, but said in order for that to happen Ukraine will have to carry out the necessary reforms. "All of Ukraine's internal developments, including adherence to the principles of the rule of law play a significant role,“ said Paet. The Foreign Minister added that the trial of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko must be independent and transparent and likewise take place in accordance with the rule of law.

Paet expressed hope that the negotiations toward an Association Agreement with free trade provisions between the European Union and Ukraine will be completed by the summit taking place in December. "Visa talks must also make vigorous progress so that it would be possible to establish visa free travel between the European Union and Ukraine, considering that citizens of EU countries have been able to travel to Ukraine visa-free for several years already,“ said Paet.

SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
637 7654
521 6821
pressitalitus@mfa.ee
www.vm.ee

Toomas Hendrik Ilves secured a second five-year term as Estonian President

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:51:42 GMT

Incumbent President Toomas Hendrik Ilves secured a second five-year term as the country's head of state in the first round of presidential vote by the parliament on Monday, 29th of August. Ilves was supported by 73 deputies in the 101-seat chamber at the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu. The rival candidate, MEP Indrek Tarand, collected 25 votes. Two ballots were declared invalid. All 101 MPs took part in the vote. The president is elected in parliament if any one candidate secures the votes of at least two-thirds, or 68, Riigikogu members.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves was born in Stockholm on Dec. 26, 1953. He is married to Evelin Ilves. Toomas Hendrik Ilves has three children: Luukas Kristjan, born in 1987, Juulia Kristiine (1992) and Kadri Keiu (2003).

Ilves grew up in the United States and was educated as a psychologist, attending and receiving degrees from Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania and then working in academic positions.

Before being elected president Ilves was member of the European Parliament from 2004 onwards. He was member of the Estonian parliament from 2002-2004, minister of foreign affairs from 1999-2002, chairman of the supervisory board of the North Atlantic Institute in 1998, foreign minister from 1996-1998, Estonia's ambassador to the United States, Canada and Mexico from 1993-1996, head of the Estonian desk of Radio Free Europe from 1988-1993, and analyst and researcher with the institute of RFE in Munich from 1984-1988.

Ilves was elected president of Estonia for the first time by an electoral college on Sept. 23, 2006 and was sworn in on Oct. 9 the same year.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet to discuss future of Nordic-Baltic relations with colleagues

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:35:49 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet to discuss future of Nordic-Baltic relations with colleagues

29.08.2011

Today and tomorrow, on 29 and 30 August, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will take part in the Nordic-Baltic 8 (NB8) foreign ministers' meeting in Helsinki.

The foreign ministers from eight coiuntries will discuss the NB8 cooperation report and the European Union's Eastern Partnership, also touching on important international topics, including the situation in North Africa, the Middle East and the Western Balkans.

On the evening of 30 August, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden will meet Ukrainian colleague Konstantin Grištšenko to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and that country's integration with the European Union.

Paet will also participate in a seminar dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the NB8, titled "Nordic and Baltic states - the next 20 years", in which the future of Nordic-Baltic relations will be examined

SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
+372 521 6821
pressitalitus@mfa.ee
www.vm.ee

Estonia and Finland support Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:30:45 GMT

Estonia and Finland support Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization

22.08.2011

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Finland’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb discussed further enlargement of the European Union, the state of the world’s economy and Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Paet said Estonia and Finland shared the same objectives in European Union affairs and that their positions largely overlapped. “Together with Finland, we are contributing to the development of the Baltic Sea strategy and the digital market. We also consider it important that the EU’s internal market function better as a whole,“ Paet added.

Stubb and Paet also discussed the world economy and developments related to the aid package for Greece. Paet stressed the importance of all member states contributing to keep the Eurozone’s debt crisis from deepening and widening. “To avoid further deepening of the crisis, strict financial and structural reforms must be carried out,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

The officials noted Estonia and Finland’s shared interests in foreign trade issues. “Estonia and Finland support Russia’s accession to the WTO as soon as possible. Russia’s joining the WTO will give the business community greater sense of security in doing business,” he said.

On the topic of further enlargement of the EU, Stubb and Paet said they agreed that the EU must support and assist European countries that have chosen the path of democracy and closer relations with the Community. “The next country to join the EU after Croatia could be Iceland. But further enlargement should take place in the Western Balkans, so accession talks with Serbia should begin,“ said Paet.

Minister Stubb also addressed a conference of the heads of Estonian foreign representations.

Foreign Ministers Paet and Tuomioja: Estonia and Finland Mourn Together With Norway

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 09:11:51 GMT

During their meeting in Tallinn today, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja expressed profound condolences to the people of Norway over yesterday’s tragic events. “This is a tragedy for Norway as well as all of Norway’s friends. Estonia and Finland are mourning together with Norwegian society,” said Paet and Tuomioja.

Paet stated that Estonia is feeling the pain of yesterday’s events along with Norway. “The murder of at least 90 people at the youth camp and in Oslo is a shocking and brutal crime that has deeply affected Estonian society as well,” he said.

Paet and Tuomioja expressed condolences to the loved ones of those killed in Norway. “The explosion in Oslo and the shooting of people at the youth camp on the island of Utøya are grave crimes for which there is no justification,” the foreign ministers said.

During their meeting in Tallinn Paet and Tuomioja also talked about the development of Estonia-Finland relations. Among the areas in which Estonia would like to develop co-operation with Finland are the defence and security policy sectors, including cyber security. “The Estonian Embassy is the NATO contact embassy in Helsinki for 2011-2012,” Paet stated. “Finland has also contributed to the creation of the Estonian Centre of Eastern Partnership, and the members of our defence forces work together in the Nordic Battle Group,” said Paet, naming examples of Estonia and Finland’s joint activities. Finland is one of Estonia’s most important trade partners and Estonia is the most important target market of Finland’s tourism economy.

Paert said that Estonia is prepared to offer Finland a chance to share embassy space in Minsk. Estonia represents Finland for the issuing of Schengen visas in Minsk and Pskov. The foreign ministers also discussed Estonia-Finland co-operation in education and research, environmental protection, and the cultural sector.

In talking about Nordic-Baltic co-operation, Paet noted that Estonia and Finland’s co-operation is made special by the fact that the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence will be celebrated together in August. “For example, on 30 August a foreign ministers’ conference dedicated to the relations of the Nordic and Baltic nations will take place in Helsinki,” Paet stated.

This year Estonia is the leader of Baltic co-operation and Finland the head of co-operation among the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). “The topics that are most important to us are security, energy, and matters related to the economy and environment,” said Foreign Minister Paet.

International developments discussed by the Estonian and Finnish foreign ministers included the situation in Northern Africa and the Middle East as well as the transfer of responsibility for security from the international community to the Afghan authorities.

SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
pressitalitus@mfa.ee

Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja Coming to Estonia For Working Visit

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:40:30 GMT

Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja Coming to Estonia For Working Visit

On Saturday, 23 July, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will meet with Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, who will be in Estonia for a working visit.

During their meeting the foreign ministers will discuss Estonia-Finland relations as well as opportunities for co-operation and current foreign political topics. This will be Tuomioja’s first working visit to Estonia as foreign minister in the new government.

On Friday, 22 July, Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will take part in a celebration in Tõrva dedicated to his grandmother Hella Wuolijoki (1886-1954).

Estonian and Finnish prime ministers reaffirm very good mutual relations

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:03:20 GMT

Estonian and Finnish prime ministers reaffirm very good mutual relations

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 27 June 2011 – Estonian head of government Andrus Ansip and freshly elected Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen, who visited Estonia today, reaffirmed the extremely close relations between the countries and emphasized that Estonia and Finland shared similar views on European Union affairs.

At the meeting with his Finnish counterpart, Ansip said that back in the Soviet era, Finland was synonymous with the free world for Estonians – Finnish television and personal friendships were a vital link to the West.

Ansip also said Finland served as a valuable source of assistance for Estonia in building government structures and civic society and developing a modern business culture. Ansip expressed the conviction that the new Finnish Prime Minister is a great friend of Estonia and that Katainen will bring a good knowledge of Estonian affairs to his new post.

Katainen acknowledged the efforts made by Estonia that resulted in gaining membership of the Eurozone.

“I truly admire the people of Estonia. The crisis meant many difficult decisions. Responsible decisions have been made in Estonia and your public finances are among Europe’s most exemplary,” said the Finnish Prime Minister.

Discussing the recent meeting of the European Council, Ansip said that Estonia and Finland’s views coincide. Among other European Union issues, the internal market was also discussed. Ansip said both Estonia and Finland were interested in developing the digital single market further.

With regard to energy topics, the energy security of the Baltic Sea region was also on the agenda, along with the diversification of energy links and sources. Prime Minister Ansip cited as an example the establishment of a second Estlink cable between Estonia and Finland, which is very important from an energy security standpoint.

And as to the Afghanistan mission, which also was addressed at the meeting, Ansip said that the recent announcement by US President Barack Obama regarding a drawdown of troops was a reflection that the security situation in Afghanistan is improving.

“Estonia’s position is that our defence forces will be in Afghanistan for as long as necessary and as long as they are welcome there. Estonia started the mission together with its allies and we must also complete the mission together,” said Ansip.

Finnish PM Katainen also confirmed his continued commitment to the international security assistance force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

The first visits for a freshly elected Finnish prime minister are traditionally to Sweden and Estonia. Katainen, who was appointed to the post last week by Finland’s Eduskunta, visited Sweden in the morning, with meetings with Estonian Prime Minister Ansip, the President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Minister of Defence Mart Laar in the afternoon.

Photographs of the meeting: http://valitsus.ee/et/uudised/pildialbum#1132-1

Video of the prime ministers’ press conference: http://valitsus.ee/et/uudised/videod/Erakorraline+pressikonverents#2232

Exhibit of School Badges by Jewellery Company Roman Tavast on Display in Estonian Embassy in Helsinki

Mon, 16 May 2011 08:10:55 GMT

Exhibit of School Badges by Jewellery Company Roman Tavast on Display in Estonian Embassy in Helsinki

On Thursday, 19 May the exhibit “Class badge – School symbol” (”Klassi märk – kooli sümbol”), curated by director of the Tallinn Art Hall Harry Liivrand, will be opened at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki (Itäinen Puistotie 10). Visitors will be able to view school badges that were made by the Roman Tavast jewellery company between 1923 and 2010.

Goldsmith and artist Roman Tavast (1895-1942) established the badge, medal and trophy-making company VMT ROMAN TAVAST in 1923. It became the biggest and most popular company in its field in pre-war Estonia. The company was reinstated in 1993. Today it is the biggest producer of badges, medals, and exclusive business gifts based on domestic capital in Estonia.

The exhibit gives the Finnish public its first-ever look the school and class badges produced by the Roman Tavast jewellery company. About 70 of the 750 school badges that have been produced by the company are on display, along with 60 rings and other school emblems. Finland is represented by 20 items, for example badges for Turku University, Aalto University, and the University of Eastern Finland, as well as a Templar cross of the Finnish Brotherhood of the Templars and cufflinks of the Helsinki stock exchange club.

The exhibit will be on display from 20 May until 31 August and can be viewed on weekdays between 9.00 – 17.00; guests must register in advance by calling the phone number +358 9 622 02 60 or by email at embassy@helsinki.ee.

Additional information: Liisa Ojaveer, Embassy cultural counsellor, e-mail: Liisa.Ojaveer@mfa.ee

Estonian and Finnish Foreign Ministers: Estonia and Finland Support One Another in Crisis Situations

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:28:18 GMT

Estonian and Finnish Foreign Ministers: Estonia and Finland Support One Another in Crisis Situations

During their meeting in Helsinki today, 11 February, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his Finnish colleague Alexander Stubb emphasised that Estonia and Finland’s close co-operation includes helping each other’s citizens in crisis regions. The ministers stated that it is essential for the governments of Egypt and other Northern African states to resolve their problems by implementing political, economic and social reforms. Paet thanked the Finnish foreign minister for his co-operation in helping Estonia citizens leave the crisis situation in Egypt.

Paet and Stubb condemned all violence in Egypt, including the attacks on Finnish journalists, and called on all parties involved to peacefully come to a political agreement. “A resolution should be found through discussions that include representatives of all the political movements,” Paet stated. “It is essential that the Egyptian army maintains a balanced position.”

The Estonian and Finnish foreign ministers also discussed the composition of the European External Action Service. Foreign Minister Paet said that the European Union’s foreign service is not completed yet, but it is important that once the service is operational, it is effective and the members can feel its strong support. “Currently there are 22 Estonian citizens working in the European External Action Service and the process for filling other positions is ongoing, with Estonian diplomats and officials in the running,” he added.

The foreign ministers stressed that Estonia-Finland co-operation is constantly growing closer and more regular. “In addition to Finland and Estonia’s recent co-operation in bringing citizens home from the crisis situation in Egypt, at the beginning of the year an Estonian exchange diplomat began working at the Finnish Embassy in Zambia. Finland also made an active contribution to the creation of the Estonian Eastern Partnership Centre that just opened, and our soldiers work together in the Nordic Battle Group,” said Paet, naming examples of Estonia and Finland’s successful joint activities. According to the Estonian foreign minister, we are prepared to offer Finland the opportunity to share embassy space in Minsk. Currently Estonia represents Finland for the issuing of Schengen visas in Minsk and Pskov.

At their meeting, the Estonian and Finnish foreign ministers also talked about the situation in Belarus. Paet said that we must focus on supporting the development of civil society in Belarus. “Estonia plans to increase its support for the civil society of Belarus through the training sessions of Estonia’s Eastern Partnership Centre and offering Belarusian students opportunities to study in Estonian universities. Estonia also supports the Humanitarian University in Vilnius, where many Belarusian students study,” he said. “The European Union should also continue with the visa facilitation process, to make travel to the EU easier for Belarusian citizens.”

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet to visit Finland

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:15:58 GMT

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet to visit Finland

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet will pay a working visit to Finland on 11 February. The visit is taking place by invitation from the Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb. During a working lunch the ministers will discuss Estonian-Finnish relations, questions connected with the European Union, and the situations in Belarus and Northern Africa. After the meeting the ministers will give a joint press conference.

BALTIC SEA ACTION SUMMIT FOLLOW UP 2011

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:16:04 GMT

At the Baltic Sea Action Summit in Helsinki in February 2010 states, companies and NGOs met to present their Commitments to solve the problems of the Baltic Sea. Estonian commitment was presented by Prime Minister Andrus Ansip.

One year has passed since the Baltic Sea Action Summit and now it is time to report how the Commitments have progressed so far. The follow-up will take place on 10 February 2011 in Helsinki. Among the participants are the President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi. Estonian report will be presented by Ambassador Mart Tarmak.

Presentation of the Estonian ambassador "Marine Environment Protection Act"

The documentary film “I Lived in the Republic of Estonia” will premiere in Helsinki on 2 February

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:58:30 GMT

The documentary film “I Lived in the Republic of Estonia” will premiere in Helsinki on 2 February

The documentary film “I Lived in the Republic of Estonia” (“Ma elasin Eesti Vabariigis”) will premiere in Helsinki on 2 February in honour of the anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty. Director Liina Trishkina's 2010 documentary looks at 1939, a crucial year in Estonian history.

What’s it like being a 10-year-old caught up in the whirlwind of history? How does it feel to be an adult in a nation that enjoys the fruits of success one day and the next day is wiped from the map? “I Lived in the Republic of Estonia” examines a crucial year, juxtaposing world historical events with the recollections of those who were children at the time. Family photographs, newspaper clippings, dramatic archival footage, music from the era and detailed recollections take the viewer to the year 1939 to witness the quiet demise of the Republic of Estonia.

Estonian Ambassador Mart Tarmak will give an opening speech at the premiere taking place in the Cinema K-13. Other speakers at the premiere will be Tiina-Mai Kaalep, Inna Tarmak and Jutta Zilliacus, who are featured in the film, screenwriters Tiina Kaalep and Indrek Treufeldt, and director Liina Trishkina.

The film was made by Allfilm and produced by Ivo Felt.

The documentary film “I Lived in the Republic of Estonia” was created within the framework of the “Memory” co-operation agreement signed by Estonian Public Broadcasting, the Estonian Cultural Endowment, and the Estonian Film Foundation.

The Helsinki premiere was made possible thanks to the co-operation of the Estonian Embassy and the Estonian Institute in Finland.

Additional information:
Ivo Felt ivo@allfilm.ee
Allfilm, producer

Estonian Embassy became NATO Contact Point Embassy in Finland

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:05:40 GMT

On 24 January, at the Estonian House in Helsinki, Danish Ambassador Jens-Otto Horslund symbolically handed over to Estonian Ambassador Mart Tarmak the role of NATO Contact Point Embassy in Finland for the period 2011-2012. The Estonian Embassy also operated as the Contact Point Embassy in Helsinki from 2004 to 2006.

In every Partner country, the embassy of one of the NATO member states serves as a contact point and operates as a channel for disseminating information about the role and policies of the Alliance.

In connection with the event, the University of Tartu and Estonian Embassy organised the public lecture “The Baltic States: Moving together or apart?” by Professor Andres Kasekamp.